HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — SMU built a large early lead and withstood a furious fourth-quarter rally by Sam Houston to secure a 73-69 win in women’s basketball Friday night at Johnson Coliseum.

The Mustangs led 35-26 at halftime and took a 19-point advantage into the final period. The Bearkats outscored SMU 28-19 in the fourth but could not complete the comeback. Paulina Paris led SMU with 18 points, while Jzaniya Harriel added 16. Fanta Kone paced Sam Houston with 13 points and seven assists.

SMU improved to 6-6. Sam Houston fell to 5-4.