HOUSTON – The Texas A&M University-Commerce women's basketball team was bested, 71-55 by the Houston Cougars on Tuesday night at the Fertitta Center.
 
The Cougars led 14-10 after the first quarter and were outscored by just three points in the second half, but a nine-point edge in the second quarter prevailed them to their first win of the season and drop the Lions to a matching record of 1-2.
 
Houston forced 41 turnovers in the game and capitalized with 34 points off those turnovers. The Lions on the other hand, did force 26 turnovers, but only mustered up 12 points off those turnovers.
 
Mia Deck (Frisco – Lone Star) led the way with 13 points, seven coming at the free throw line. She also recorded three rebounds and one assist. Laila Lawrence (Clarksville) posted 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Asiyha Smith (Conway, Ark.) added 11 points, nine rebounds, and two assists.
 
Dyani Robinson (Langham Creek) totaled 10 points and five rebounds. Off the bench, Olivia Russell (Auburn Hills, Michigan) had 11 rebounds, one point, one assist, and the only block of the game.
 
For the Cougars, Tiara Young came off the bench and had 21 points, while Tatyana Hill had 15 points. Houston shot 28 for 76 in the game, A&M-Commerce shot 15 for 54 from the field and 23 for 32 at the line.
 
This is the first regular season meeting between the Lions and the Cougars, who played an exhibition game in Houston last season. Houston, who joins the Big XII next season and is slated to make the return trip to Commerce next season.


POSTGAME INTERVIEW
 
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The Lions conclude the three-game trip around Texas on Friday in Dallas at SMU. Tip-off between the Lions and the Mustangs is set for 7 p.m.