BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — Texas-San Antonio captured the American Athletic Conference women’s basketball championship Saturday, defeating top-seeded Rice 54-40 at Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

The Roadrunners, who entered as underdogs, used a dominant 20-point third quarter to pull away after leading 20-13 at halftime. Ereauna Hardaway led Texas-San Antonio with 13 points, while Cheyenne Rowe and Idara Udo each added 11.

Rice, which finished the season 27-5, was held to its lowest scoring output of the year. Hailey Adams led the Owls with 12 points. The victory secured an automatic NCAA Tournament berth for Texas-San Antonio, which improved to 18-15.