DALLAS (SMU) – The SMU women's basketball team outscored Houston 20-9 in the fourth quarter to defeat its in-state rival 60-47 in Moody Coliseum Saturday.

Amber Bacon scored a game-high 15 points to lead the Mustangs for the third straight game. The sophomore scored nine points in the fourth quarter to help SMU secure the victory, its third in the last four games.

Trailing 13-4 midway through the first quarter, Ariana Whitfield made a 3-pointer. The three points were the first of a 14-2 run for the Mustangs (12-14, 6-8 The American) that spanned the final four minutes of the quarter. The boost gave SMU an 18-15 lead at the break. Houston (12-15, 5-9 The American) outscored SMU 23-22 over the next 20 minutes, but couldn't not gain significant momentum to regain control.

Playing on its home floor, SMU was not to be denied. Wearing the uniforms with Dallas across their chest, SMU started the final quarter with a 15-3 run. The Mustangs' defense held the Cougars scoreless for the first 6:48 of the quarter.

Paige Bayliss matched her season high with 14 points, and Whitfield, Reagan Bradley and Kayla White each scored eight points. Bradley finished with eight assists and eight rebounds. It was her third game this season with at least eight assists and sixth with seven or more.

The Mustangs play at USF Saturday before hosting Memphis on March 2 in the regular-season finale.