No. 14 Baylor women control paint and turnovers in 82-66 Big 12 win over Houston

Baylor builds early cushion and sustains it through efficient scoring and interior control

Baylor women’s basketball defeated Houston 82-66 on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Waco, a result shaped by Baylor’s efficiency inside the arc, a decisive rebounding edge and sustained pressure that turned Houston possessions into transition opportunities.

The Bears, ranked No. 14, improved to 19-3 overall and 8-1 in Big 12 play. Houston fell to 6-14 overall and 0-9 in conference action. Baylor led 36-19 at halftime after holding Houston to 19 points in the opening two quarters, then withstood a stronger second-half push from the Cougars to close out the win.

Third-quarter surge and high-percentage finishing created separation

Baylor’s largest burst came immediately after intermission. The Bears opened the third quarter with a 9-0 run and entered the fourth with an 18-point lead, positioned by a steady flow of paint touches and second-chance opportunities.

Overall, Baylor shot 31-of-59 from the field (52.5%) and scored 46 points in the paint. The Bears also turned 16 Houston turnovers into 19 points, a key factor in maintaining control even as Houston improved its scoring pace after halftime.

Baylor’s combination of interior scoring, rebounding and conversion of turnovers set the terms of the game from the opening quarter.

Littlepage-Buggs leads all scorers; Baylor posts major advantage on the boards

Darianna Littlepage-Buggs led all scorers with 25 points on 10-of-11 shooting, adding eight rebounds. Bella Fontleroy produced a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, including five offensive boards. Baylor finished with a 41-25 rebounding advantage and generated repeated possessions around the rim that helped keep Houston from building sustained momentum.

Taliah Scott scored 14 points, while Jana Van Gytenbeek added eight points and seven assists. Baylor’s bench contributed 14 points, led by Kyla Abraham’s 10 points and eight rebounds.

Houston rallies late behind perimeter makes but cannot close the gap

Houston’s best stretch came in the second half, including an 8-0 run to open the fourth quarter that trimmed Baylor’s lead into single digits. The Cougars won the third and fourth quarters on the scoreboard (25-26 and 22-20, respectively), but the early deficit and Baylor’s control of the paint limited the comeback window.

For Houston, Amirah Abdur-Rahim and Kyndall Hunter scored 17 points apiece. Briana Peguero added 14 points and seven assists. Houston finished 23-of-55 shooting (41.8%) and made six 3-pointers.

• Final score: Baylor 82, Houston 66
• Halftime: Baylor 36, Houston 19
• Key margins: Baylor +16 rebounds; Baylor +28 points in the paint; 19 points off turnovers