RICHARDSON, TX (12.04.19) - Thanks to a dominant opening period, the UT Dallas women's basketball team earned a 59-45 win over Ozarks Wednesday night in the American Southwest Conference opener for both squads.

The Comets (now 2-3, 1-0 ASC) used a 21-8 first quarter to pull away early. UTD shot 53.8 percent (7-of-13) from the floor over the first 10 minutes play and would lead by more than 20 points midway through the second period. However, a rough final frame provided a closer final score than the first 30 minutes of play predicted.

Leading 50-24 heading into the fourth, the Comets were out-gunned by Ozarks, 21-9, over the final 10 minutes of action. The Comets struggled from the floor throughout the second half, shooting just 24.2 percent (8-for-33) as a team after the break.

UTD doubled up the Eagles (now 3-4, 0-1 ASC), 36-18, over the first half and regained a 20-point lead after a lay up by Kelley Skinners on the opening possession of the third period. The Comets' largest lead of the night came at the close of the third, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer by freshman Maddie Edler.

The Eagles opened the fourth on a 5-1 run and would shoot 50 percent (9-for-18) over the final frame before UTD held on for the 14-point victory.

Victoria Pena led all scorers with 17 points while Raenett Hughes added 14 points, along with seven rebounds and four steals. Natalie Miller snagged a game-high 12 rebounds, a career high for the sophomore.

The Comets return to action Sunday, Dec. 15, with a non-conference road game at Trinity. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. in San Antonio.