University of Houston Athletics
Women’s Basketball Defeats UTSA on Saturday
11/8/2025 10:26:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Game Book (PDF)Postgame Press Conference - Matthew Mitchell (YouTube)Postgame Press Conference - Players (YouTube)
Merchant, Abdur-Rahim combine for 30 points and 19 rebounds; Cougars improve to 2-0
HOUSTON – A 21-point performance by junior guard Kierra Merchant lifted the University of Houston Women's Basketball team to a 52-48 victory over UTSA at the Fertitta Center on Saturday.
The Cougars (2-0) were led in scoring by Merchant with 21 points and eight rebounds, marking her fourth 20+ point performance of her career. Graduate forward Amirah Abdur-Rahim tallied nine points and 11 rebounds, earning her seventh-career outing with double-digit boards.
Senior guard TK Pitts was also active inside the arc, notching four points and 10 rebounds for her sixth-career 10+ rebound performance, sitting one shy of her career high. The Cougars improved to 23-1 all-time against the Roadrunners.
UTSA (0-2) had three players in double figures. Idara Udo led the Roadrunners with 13 points, Damara Allen scored 11 points and Cheyenne Rowe posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cougars had the hot hand early, knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers, including a make from Abdur-Rahim for only the third triple of her career. The Roadrunners responded with an 8-2 run to balance the board at 8-8 before taking the 15-12 lead at the end of the first.
Despite trailing by five early in the frame, Houston battled back into the mix with a 5-1 run to level the score at 20-20, nearing the midway point in the second. Both sides kept a back-and-forth affair late into the period, trading buckets to remain knotted at 27-27 at the half.
The Cougars opened the second half with a 6-0 run to take a 33-27 lead. The game intensified defensively on both ends, but Houston held a six-point advantage at 42-36 entering the fourth.
The fourth quarter was a low-scoring affair with only four field goals shared between both sides heading into the two-minute mark. UTSA capitalized on a few second-chance opportunities and free throws to cut the deficit to 50-48 with 40 seconds to go before graduate guard Briana Peguero knocked down a baseline jumper to seal the deal and boost Houston to a 52-48 victory.
UP NEXT
Houston will close out its first homestand of the season when it hosts Rice at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday inside Fertitta Center for its Houston Heroes game. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive free camo Houston Women's Basketball t-shirts.
The Cougars are also teaming up with Sigma Nu for its clothing and drive to support the Houston community. Donations include, but are not limited to cold cold-weather clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, shoes, socks, non-perishable food, water and other useful items. Fans can drop off donations at the Holman Street entrance.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Women's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining Full Court Press, which provides support directly to Houston Women's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarWBB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarWBB or on the team's Instagram page at @UHCougarWBB.
The Cougars (2-0) were led in scoring by Merchant with 21 points and eight rebounds, marking her fourth 20+ point performance of her career. Graduate forward Amirah Abdur-Rahim tallied nine points and 11 rebounds, earning her seventh-career outing with double-digit boards.
Senior guard TK Pitts was also active inside the arc, notching four points and 10 rebounds for her sixth-career 10+ rebound performance, sitting one shy of her career high. The Cougars improved to 23-1 all-time against the Roadrunners.
UTSA (0-2) had three players in double figures. Idara Udo led the Roadrunners with 13 points, Damara Allen scored 11 points and Cheyenne Rowe posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cougars had the hot hand early, knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers, including a make from Abdur-Rahim for only the third triple of her career. The Roadrunners responded with an 8-2 run to balance the board at 8-8 before taking the 15-12 lead at the end of the first.
Despite trailing by five early in the frame, Houston battled back into the mix with a 5-1 run to level the score at 20-20, nearing the midway point in the second. Both sides kept a back-and-forth affair late into the period, trading buckets to remain knotted at 27-27 at the half.
The Cougars opened the second half with a 6-0 run to take a 33-27 lead. The game intensified defensively on both ends, but Houston held a six-point advantage at 42-36 entering the fourth.
The fourth quarter was a low-scoring affair with only four field goals shared between both sides heading into the two-minute mark. UTSA capitalized on a few second-chance opportunities and free throws to cut the deficit to 50-48 with 40 seconds to go before graduate guard Briana Peguero knocked down a baseline jumper to seal the deal and boost Houston to a 52-48 victory.
UP NEXT
Houston will close out its first homestand of the season when it hosts Rice at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday inside Fertitta Center for its Houston Heroes game. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive free camo Houston Women's Basketball t-shirts.
The Cougars are also teaming up with Sigma Nu for its clothing and drive to support the Houston community. Donations include, but are not limited to cold cold-weather clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, shoes, socks, non-perishable food, water and other useful items. Fans can drop off donations at the Holman Street entrance.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Women's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining Full Court Press, which provides support directly to Houston Women's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarWBB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarWBB or on the team's Instagram page at @UHCougarWBB.
– UHCougars.com –
Players Mentioned
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