MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a game defined more by defensive struggle than offensive artistry, the Memphis women’s basketball team grinded out a 52-40 victory over Texas-San Antonio in an American Athletic Conference matchup Friday night at FedExForum.

The Tigers, improving to 8-12 overall, never trailed after the opening basket but could never fully shake a Roadrunners squad that was hampered by frigid shooting. UTSA fell to 9-9.

The most decisive stretch came late in the third quarter and early in the fourth, as Memphis extended a narrow lead into a comfortable margin. Leading 34-30 with under four minutes left in the third, the Tigers closed the period on a 3-0 run, capped by a Chaé Harris three-pointer assisted by Daejah Richmond as time expired, pushing the lead to seven.

Memphis then opened the final quarter with five straight points from Amauri Williams, who scored on consecutive possessions, the latter a jumper assisted by Cori Allen, to give the Tigers their first double-digit lead at 41-30 with 8:21 remaining. UTSA would get no closer than nine points the rest of the way, as both teams traded baskets in a low-scoring final frame.

The contest was a battle of attrition from the start. Memphis established an early advantage, leading 13-5 after one quarter and 26-14 at halftime. The Roadrunners’ offense, which managed just five points in the opening period, found a slight rhythm after the break, outscoring Memphis 12-11 in the third quarter, but could not sustain enough momentum to threaten the lead.

UTSA’s shooting woes were the story of the night. The Roadrunners shot just 28 percent from the field, making only 14 of 50 attempts. They were a paltry 2 of 15 from three-point range and connected on only 10 of 17 free throws. Their offensive rating of 58.8 points per 100 possessions underscored the difficulty of the night.

Memphis was only marginally more efficient, shooting 38.9 percent from the floor, but did enough to maintain control. The Tigers outscored UTSA 28-18 in the paint and capitalized slightly better on turnovers, scoring 11 points off 15 Roadrunners giveaways. Memphis also won the rebounding battle, particularly on the offensive glass with 10 boards leading to second-chance opportunities.

Daejah Richmond anchored Memphis with a near triple-double, finishing with 9 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists in 37 minutes. Amauri Williams added 10 points and 9 rebounds, while Tamya Smith contributed 9 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. Jordan Hunter and Chaé Harris each chipped in 8 points.

For Texas-San Antonio, Ereauna Hardaway led all scorers with 15 points and dished out 7 assists. Cheyenne Rowe battled inside for 8 points and 9 rebounds, and Sanaa Bean provided a defensive spark off the bench with 5 points, 2 blocks and 2 steals.

The Tigers’ defense was relentless, recording 7 steals and 6 blocks while forcing 15 turnovers. UTSA’s defense was similarly active, tallying 10 steals and 4 blocks of their own, but their offensive shortcomings proved insurmountable.

The win snaps a three-game losing skid for Memphis. Texas-San Antonio has now lost two of its last three conference games.

Memphis hosts Tulane on Tuesday. Texas-San Antonio returns home to face North Texas, also on Tuesday.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 827 at FedExForum.