A short-handed Cougar team, playing with just seven players after Kirk Van Slyke (coach's decision) was left back in Houston, gave away a 13-point lead to the East Carolina Pirates, losing by a score of 74-70.
The Cougars seemed to have the game easily in hand, but shot themselves in the foot with turnovers in the second half. They also sent East Carolina to the free throw line far too often, and the Pirates took advantage, shooting 28 of 34 from the line.
Maurice McNeil paced the Coogs with 18 points and 13 rebounds, but committed four turnovers.
The loss is Houston's third straight, as they fall to 3-4 in conference play.