RICHARDSON, TX (11.15.17) - Thanks to an 18-2 run to open the second half, the UT Dallas women's basketball team cruised to a 67-47 win over non-conference rival Austin College Wednesday night in the season openers for both squads.

Leading 30-21 at the break, the Comets blew by AC to start the third period and never looked back as they collected their ninth-straight win over their former league foes. Victoria Pena recorded her first career "double-double" as she finished the night with 18 points and 10 rebounds, both game highs, while adding four assists and two steals. McKenzie Petty added 17 points as the duo combined for nearly half of the team's offensive output.

UTD picked up defensively where it led off last year, holding the Kangaroos (0-1) to just 34 percent accuracy in the game and forcing 18 AC turnovers. The Comets led the American Southwest Conference and ranked among the leaders in NCAA Division III last season in scoring defense, holding opponents to 55.8 points per outing.

After grabbing a slim 12-11 to close the first quarter on a Ja'Lee Carver lay up, the Comets would widen their margin to nine points by halftime, 30-21, thanks to a late three-pointer from Amber Terry. UTD then dominated the third quarter, outscoring the 'Roos, 21-12, scoring 14 points in the paint and 12 points off AC turnovers. The Comets then secured the win by holding off a late surge by AC, outscoring the 'Roos, 16-14, in the final stanza.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
The Comets finished the night shooting 40.6 percent from the field, hitting 26-of-64 shots, while connecting on just 5-of-22 three-pointers (22.7%) and 10-of-20 free throws (50%). UTD secured the lead in the second quarter as the Comets outscored AC, 18-10, in the frame, holding the 'Roos to just 3-of-13 (23.1%) shooting from the field.

UTD was 6-for-11 (54.5%) as a team from the field in the third quarter, hitting 3-of-6 three-pointers. The Comets collected eight points on the fast break as they forced AC turnovers in the period.

KEY PERFORMERS
Pena finished the night one point shy of her career high while setting a new career high with 10 rebounds. She ended the game 7-of-15 from the field. Petty was 7-for-11 from the floor and added four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Carver was third on the squad in scoring with nine points, hitting 4-of-5 shots.

NEXT GAME
The Comets (1-0) hit the road this weekend for a pair of games at the Emory Tip Off Classic in Atlanta, Ga. UTD will open the event at 5 p.m. Friday against host Emory before facing Emory & Henry at 3 p.m. Saturday.