HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Texas Tech Lady Raiders, powered by a dominant defensive effort and a career-high scoring performance from Bailey Maupin, overwhelmed the Houston Cougars 85-61 in a Big 12 Conference women’s basketball game Saturday night at Hofheinz Pavilion.

The victory improved Texas Tech to 22-3 overall and marked its second win over Houston this season. The Cougars fell to 7-16.

The game was effectively decided by a suffocating Texas Tech defense that forced 31 Houston turnovers, converting them into 40 points. The Lady Raiders also recorded 17 steals and nine blocked shots, disrupting the Cougars’ offensive flow from the opening tip. Houston managed an offensive rating of just 71.9 points per 100 possessions, while Texas Tech operated at a 103.1 rating.

Maupin, a guard from Gruver, Texas, was the offensive catalyst for the Lady Raiders, scoring 25 points in 34 minutes. She shot efficiently from the field, including three three-pointers, and was a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Her performance set the tone as Texas Tech built a 21-12 lead after the first quarter and extended it to a 44-28 advantage by halftime.

The most important sequence of the game came late in the second quarter, as Texas Tech began to pull away decisively. Leading 32-22 with under three minutes remaining in the half, the Lady Raiders unleashed a 12-2 run. Maupin ignited the surge with a three-pointer, followed by a Sarengbe Sanogo layup off a Houston turnover. After two Houston free throws, Gemma Nunez drove for a layup. The Cougars answered with a score, but Maupin closed the half with another three-pointer in the final seconds, pushing the lead to 44-28 and sapping any remaining momentum from the home team. Houston never threatened in the second half, as the Lady Raiders’ lead ballooned to as many as 27 points.

Nunez, a guard from Almeria, Spain, complemented Maupin with 13 points and a game-high seven assists. Forward Jalynn Bristow of Holliday, Texas, added 15 points and four blocks, anchoring the interior defense. For Houston, forward Amirah Abdur-Rahim of Marietta, Georgia, led all scorers with 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Guards Briana Peguero and Kierra Merchant, both Houston natives, added 12 and 13 points, respectively.

Texas Tech’s offensive balance was evident as they shot 49.1% from the field and 44% from three-point range. Houston struggled to find consistent offense, shooting 39.6% overall and a mere 2-for-8 from beyond the arc. The Cougars did find some success at the free throw line, making 21 of 27 attempts.

The Lady Raiders also won the assist battle 17-12 and limited their own turnovers to 21, a manageable figure given their high-pressure style. Houston held a slight edge in points in the paint, 32-30, and offensive rebounds, 7-6, but those advantages were rendered meaningless by the torrent of giveaways.

A crowd of 1,910 watched as Texas Tech continued its strong season, while Houston searches for answers after its fifth loss in six games.

Texas Tech next hosts Kansas on Tuesday. Houston will face Colorado at home on Wednesday.