DETROIT (Interstat) — The Detroit Titans opened their season with a dominant 78-48 victory over the Valparaiso Beacons in a non-conference women’s basketball game at Calihan Hall on Saturday.

The Titans seized control from the opening tip, outscoring the Beacons 21-9 in the first quarter and never looking back. A stifling defensive effort was the catalyst, as Detroit forced 23 Valparaiso turnovers and converted them into 19 points. The Titans also recorded 12 steals and held Valparaiso to a frigid 28.6% shooting from the field.

Aaliyah McQueen led a balanced Detroit attack with a commanding double-double, scoring 15 points and pulling down 16 rebounds. She was complemented by Jasmine Edwards, who also scored 19 points and added 7 rebounds, and Makayla Jackson, who chipped in 16 points. Myonna Hooper of Pontiac facilitated the offense with a team-high three assists.

Valparaiso, which fell to 0-2, was led by Fiona Connolly of South Burlington, Vermont, who scored a game-high 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Allia von Schlegell of Downers Grove, Illinois, added 10 points for the Beacons, but the team struggled with efficiency, committing more than twice as many turnovers as assists.

After building a 33-27 halftime lead, the Titans put the game out of reach with a 20-point third quarter, extending their advantage to 53-41. They then closed the game with their strongest period, a 25-point fourth quarter, to secure the 30-point margin of victory.

Detroit’s ball movement and shot selection proved superior, as they tallied 12 assists on 28 made field goals and outscored Valparaiso 34-20 in the paint.

The game was the season opener for Detroit, which now looks ahead to a road contest at Toledo on November 16. Valparaiso continues a challenging early-season slate, seeking its first win on the road at Iowa State on November 12. An announced crowd of 300 was in attendance.