ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — SMU used a strong first quarter to build a cushion and held off a late Coppin State rally for a 57-49 win in nonconference women’s basketball Wednesday night at Moody Coliseum.

The Mustangs opened a 20-8 lead after the first period. The Eagles chipped away, closing to within four points in the final minutes, but could not complete the comeback. Sahnya Jah led SMU with 16 points. Khila Morris scored 15 points for Coppin State, and Erin Henry added 13.

SMU improved to 5-6. Coppin State fell to 2-9. Attendance was 1,175.