BROWNWOOD, Texas – It was a defensive exhibition for UT-Dallas in their 63-49 win over McMurry University Friday night at the Coliseum in the first round of the 2011 American Southwest Conference women's basketball tournament.

At halftime, the Lady Comets led McMurry by just four points, 27-23. In the second half the UTD defense stepped up again, allowing just four points in the first seven minutes, while scoring 16 of their own to possess a dominant 43-27 lead with 13 minutes left.

That lead ended up being insurmountable for the McMurry women with UTD stretching their lead out to as much as 19 points.

The UTD defense allowed just 32 percent (15 of 46) shooting from McMurry, while shooting 42 percent (22 of 53) themselves. To help out the stingy defense was 18 offensive rebounds coupled with six steals.

Tawni Ichimura led all scorers for the Comets with 17 points, while Tarneisha Scott finished with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

UTD advances to play in the semi-finals of the women's basketball ASC Championship Tournament at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 26 against the winner of the Howard Payne University and University of the Ozarks game.