RICHARDSON, TX (12.18.17) - The top scoring defense in the American Southwest Conference flexed its muscle Monday night as the UT Dallas women's basketball team downed Hardin-Simmons, 59-47, in ASC crossover action.

The Comets (6-3, 3-1 ASC) used a strong opening half to set the tone for their fifth win in six outings, securing a 39-22 lead at the intermission. UTD shot 53.6 percent (15-of-28) form the field as a team in the opening half as Victoria Pena scored 18 of her game-high 19 points through through the first two quarters of action.

HSU used an 8-2 run to close the first half to cut down what was a 23-point Comet first-half lead. The Cowgirls then opened the third quarter with a three-pointer by Jesyka Lee to draw within 14 points, 39-25, with 6:28 left in the frame and HSU would get as close as 12 points late in the quarter before the Comets bounced back, eventually returning to a 19-point lead, 55-36, with 6:44 left to play after a Kelley Skinner three pointer.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
After cooling off in the second half, the Comets finished the game shooting just 37.3 percent (22-of-59) from the field, connecting on 8-of-20 (40%) three pointers. UTD was just 7-of-14 (50%) from the free-throw line. The Comets were just 4-of-16 from the floor in the third quarter and 3-of-15 in the final stanza.

The Comets held a slim 39-35 rebounding advantage over HSU and forced 19 turnovers.

KEY PERFORMERS
Pena finished the game 8-for-12 from the field, hitting two threes, and added three assists, two steals and two rebounds. Mia Spennato was the only other Comet in double figures with 14 points, going 4-for-4 from three-point range. Madison Steele collected a game-high seven rebounds.

NEXT GAME
The Comets continue their five-game home stand Wednesday night when they host McMurry. Game time is 5:30 p.m. at the UTD Activity Center.