ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — The SMU Mustangs opened their season with a commanding 96-70 victory over the Grambling Lady Tigers in a non-conference women’s basketball game Tuesday afternoon at Moody Coliseum.

The Mustangs seized control early, outscoring Grambling 20-9 in the first quarter and extending their lead to 46-22 by halftime. SMU’s offensive efficiency was the story of the game, as they shot 50 percent from the floor, connecting on 29 of 58 attempts, and were potent from beyond the arc, making 10 of 23 three-pointers. They also capitalized on their trips to the free-throw line, converting 28 of 37 attempts.

Grambling, which fell to 0-1, struggled with its shooting throughout the contest. The Lady Tigers made just 27 of 80 field goal attempts, a 33.8 percent clip, and hit only 5 of 24 from three-point range. They did, however, show resilience in the second half, scoring 19 points in the third quarter and erupting for 29 in the fourth, nearly matching SMU’s 28 in the final period.

Kyla Deck led a balanced and potent SMU attack with a game-high 18 points, adding four rebounds and four assists. She was one of five Mustangs to score in double figures. Grace Hall recorded a double-double with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Sahnya Jah contributed 19 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench. Jzaniya Harriel filled the stat sheet with 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists, and Zahra King chipped in 14 points.

Defensively, SMU was active, recording 13 steals and seven blocks. Anaya Brown was a force in the paint with three of those blocks to go along with seven points and six rebounds.

For Grambling, Zaria Johnson, a 6-foot-1 forward from Houston, led the way with 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Alieghya Bartholomew, a guard from Toronto, provided a spark with 15 points, all of which came in the second half, including three three-pointers in the fourth quarter. Monica Marsh added 13 points, and Shaniah Nunn grabbed 10 rebounds to go with eight points.

The game was characterized by a frenetic pace, with both teams combining for 43 turnovers. Grambling committed 21, which SMU converted into numerous transition opportunities. The Lady Tigers did manage to win the battle on the offensive glass, pulling down 17 rebounds to SMU’s 13, but it was not enough to overcome the significant disparity in shooting efficiency.

The announced attendance was 2,594.

With the win, SMU begins its season 1-0 and will next host Kansas State on Saturday. Grambling, now 0-1, looks to secure its first victory when it travels to face North Texas on Friday.