HOUSTON (Interstat) — Kierra Merchant scored 21 points to lead Houston to a 52-48 win over Texas-San Antonio in a women’s NCAA game Saturday at Hofheinz Pavilion. The Cougars improved to 2-0, while the Roadrunners fell to 0-2.

The game was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling from the floor. Houston capitalized on Texas-San Antonio’s 20 turnovers, scoring 21 points off them. The Roadrunners dominated inside with 38 points in the paint, led by Idara Udo’s 13 points and Cheyenne Rowe’s double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cougars. Amirah Abdur-Rahim added 9 points and 11 rebounds for Houston.