HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Houston Cougars used a dominant defensive performance and capitalized on a flurry of turnovers to defeat the Texas-Arlington Mavericks 76-59 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at Hofheinz Pavilion.

In their season opener before a crowd of 1,025, the Cougars forced 33 Mavericks turnovers, converting them into 31 points. That pressure proved to be the difference in a game where both teams struggled from the floor and beyond the arc.

Houston established control early, taking a 37-26 lead into halftime and maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the second half. The Cougars outscored the Mavericks in every quarter.

The game was defined by sloppy offense and aggressive defense. Houston shot just 24 of 56 from the field, a rate of 42.9 percent, and was an abysmal 1 for 14 from three-point range. Texas-Arlington was even less efficient, making only 19 of 53 shots and hitting just one of its five attempts from deep.

Both teams found their way to the free-throw line frequently. Houston made 27 of 39 attempts, while Texas-Arlington connected on 20 of 26. The Cougars held a slight edge in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.

Amirah Abdur-Rahim led a balanced Houston scoring attack with 16 points. Briana Peguero added 14 points and three assists, while Jade Jones narrowly missed a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. TK Pitts also finished in double figures with 12 points.

For Texas-Arlington, which fell to 0-1, Kira Reynolds was a bright spot, recording a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Jadyn Atchison contributed nine points and five rebounds in the loss.

The Mavericks were hampered by their inability to maintain possession, coughing the ball up 33 times against Houston’s relentless defensive pressure. The Cougars’ 19 steals were a key factor in building and sustaining their lead.

Houston begins the season 1-0 and will host Texas-San Antonio on Saturday. Texas-Arlington looks for its first win when it hosts Missouri State on Friday.