HOUSTON – The HCU women's basketball team won their home opener in dominating fashion against the University of the Southwest Mustangs Monday night in Sharp Gym. Houston Christian University (HCU), formerly Houston Baptist University (HBU), underwent a name change in September 2022.
 
Houston Christian (1-0, 0-0 SLC) jumped ahead quickly in the first quarter, going on a 25-5 run right out of the gate. The Huskies started the game lights out from the floor, knocking down nine of their first 14 shots, including five-of-seven from distance. HCU had contributions from seven players in the quarter, headlined by Julija Vujakovic who scored all nine of her points during that span.
 
HCU kept attacking the paint and getting to the basket in the second quarter, leading to 12-of-13 made free-throws in the period. Marilyn Nzoiwu led the Huskies in the quarter with six points.
 
HCU's defensive effort was equally as impressive as their offensive efforts early on, forcing 20 University of the Southwest (0-2, 0-0 RRAC) turnovers in the first half.
 
The Mustangs got hot in the second half, scoring 23 of the teams 33 points in the game. Fortunately for HCU, their lead was large enough that the Mustangs' hot streak from the floor never put their lead in jeopardy. Kenedi Tanks and Sierra Smith combined for 19 second half points.
 
Enya Maguire came alive for HCU in the second half, scoring 15 of her 17 points from the third quarter on. She knocked down six-of-seven shot attempts in the half including three-of-four from deep.
 
N'Denasija Collins led all Huskies in scoring with 21 points, followed by Maguire with 17. All 11 Huskies who took the court tonight scored. Kennedy Wilson had a busy night as she dropped in five points, dished out a team-high six assists, had four steals and grabbed three boards. Amy Cotton led HCU in rebounding with nine.  
 
The Huskies head north for a matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at 8:00 p.m. Friday night in Lincoln, Nebraska. The game can be viewed on the Big Ten Plus Network.