RICHARDSON, Texas - The UT Dallas women's basketball team used a strong defensive effort and a big performance from the bench in a 71-34 over Howard Payne at the UTD Activity Center Thursday night.

In the Comets' (3-3, 1-0) American Southwest Conference opener, they limited the Lady Jackets (2-5, 0-1) to just 21.1 percent shooting (8-of-38) from the field and caused 27 turnovers - the best defensive effort for UTD this season. The home team's bench was also responsible for 51 points.

The 34 points allowed is tied for the sixth-fewest given up in program history.

UT Dallas shot 45.5 percent (25-for-55) from the field, 5-for-18 from three-point range and 16-for-22 at the free throw line. They also had 39 rebounds, 12 assists, two blocks, 15 steals and 16 turnovers.

HPU also shot 1-for-14 from outside and 17-for-24 at the line with 27 rebounds, three assists and seven steals.

UT Dallas Notes
- Freshman guard Amanda Crowninshield recorded a season-best for the second consecutive game, scoring 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting. She also had five steals off the bench.
- Junior guard Kaylee Boykin had eight points, going 3-for-3 overall and 2-for-2 from outside. 
- Sophomore guard Trystan Clark set a career-high with eight poiints as did freshman guard Raven Busby.
- Senior guard Jordan Maxwell came up with six points and dished out three assists. 
- Senior forward Diane Hurst tied her career-best with seven rebounds. 
- Junior guard Blythe Williams added four points and five boards.

Howard Payne Notes
- Forward Bria Neal led the Lady Jackets with 14 points and pulled down four rebounds.
- Brenna Welsh had six points.
- Elaina Buchanan came up with six rebounds.

Up Next
The Comets will continue ASC action when they host Sul Ross State on Saturday at 1 p.m.

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