HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Houston Cougars, off to a 2-0 start, will host crosstown foe Rice on Tuesday at Hofheinz Pavilion in a nonconference women’s basketball game.

The Cougars are coming off a 52-48 defensive win over Texas-San Antonio on Saturday. Kierra Merchant led the way with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Amirah Abdur-Rahim added nine points and 11 rebounds. Houston also opened its season with a 76-59 victory over Texas-Arlington.

The Rice Owls (0-1) are seeking their first win after falling 79-65 at South Dakota State on Friday. Despite the loss, Rice saw strong performances from Dominique Ennis, who scored 17 points, and Victoria Flores, who added 16. Hailey Adams controlled the glass, pulling down 11 rebounds.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. CST. Following this matchup, Rice will prepare to host Middle Tennessee on Saturday, while Houston will hit the road to face Stephen F. Austin next Monday.