Albuquerque, N.M., December 14, 2025
The University of Houston Women’s Basketball team experienced a tough loss against New Mexico, concluding their non-conference road schedule. Despite valiant efforts and a notable performance from junior guard Kierra Merchant, the Cougars fell 63-41. As they prepare for the upcoming Big 12 Conference play, this defeat serves as a learning opportunity for the team under the guidance of first-year head coach Matthew Mitchell. The Cougars now have a record of 5-5, looking to bounce back with their next matchup against Montana.
Houston, TX — The University of Houston Women’s Basketball team concluded its non-conference road schedule with a challenging 63-41 defeat against New Mexico on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at The Pit in Albuquerque, N.M. This contest marked a significant moment for the Cougars as they prepare to transition into their demanding Big 12 Conference play.
The Cougars, now standing at a 5-5 record, faced a formidable New Mexico Lobos squad which improved to 8-3. Junior guard Kierra Merchant led the scoring for Houston, tallying 10 points and grabbing six rebounds, marking her fourth double-digit performance of the season. Despite early efforts to keep pace, the Lobos maintained control through strong offensive runs and defensive pressure.
The University of Houston’s athletic endeavors, including its women’s basketball program, represent more than just collegiate competition; they are integral to the city’s vibrant sports culture and contribute to a broader economic landscape. The spirit of competition fosters discipline and perseverance, qualities essential for individual and collective success. As the Cougars navigate a challenging season under first-year head coach Matthew Mitchell, the lessons learned on the court, particularly in resilience against tough opponents, are invaluable for the student-athletes’ personal development and future leadership roles.
On-Court Challenges and Strategic Outlook
The game’s progression saw New Mexico establish an early lead, concluding the first quarter with a 21-11 advantage. Houston demonstrated resilience in the second quarter, outscoring the Lobos 9-2 over a significant stretch to narrow the deficit to just three points at 23-20. However, New Mexico regained momentum, heading into halftime with a 27-21 lead. The Lobos further extended their advantage in the third quarter, leading 47-32, before ultimately securing the win by outscoring the Cougars 16-9 in the final period. New Mexico’s Jessie Joaquim delivered a standout performance, achieving the Lobos’ first double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds. This result extends New Mexico’s winning streak against Houston at The Pit to 6-0.
The Cougars’ upcoming schedule features their final non-conference game at home against Montana on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, an annual Education Day event at the Fertitta Center. Following this, Houston will dive into its Big 12 Conference slate, beginning with an away game against West Virginia on December 21. The transition to conference play presents new opportunities for the team to demonstrate growth and compete within a highly regarded athletic conference.
Houston’s Sports Economy and Private Initiative
The success and operation of University of Houston TX athletics programs extend beyond game-day results, significantly influencing the Houston TX sports economy. While regular-season games may not always register a direct economic impact on par with major national events, the overall presence of college basketball in Houston contributes to the city’s identity as a premier sports destination. Major sporting events, such as the College Football Playoff National Championship, have generated over $200 million in economic impact for Houston, showcasing the substantial financial contributions that high-profile athletic competitions bring to the metropolitan area.
Private investment and corporate partnerships play a crucial role in supporting the growth and sustainability of university athletics. A prime example is the transformative community partnership between University of Houston Athletics and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. This collaboration has led to the renaming of the student-athlete development program to the “Chevron Student-Athlete Leadership Program,” directly funding initiatives that promote personal, professional, and leadership growth. Such private-sector engagement underscores a commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals prepared for success beyond their athletic careers. Furthermore, the Texas Permanent School Fund, in conjunction with Velocity Capital Management, has initiated a $500 million Collegiate Investment Initiative. This fund aims to provide capital for facility upgrades and other significant projects across collegiate athletics in Texas, assisting institutions like the University of Houston in maintaining competitive infrastructure in a rapidly evolving collegiate sports landscape. Philanthropic efforts through programs like Cougar Pride also enable significant contributions, directly impacting operational support, student-athlete experience, and facility enhancements, vital for competing at the highest levels. The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) sponsorships from Houston-based companies like The Fields Companies further demonstrates the power of private initiative in empowering student-athletes financially and professionally.
Community Engagement and Self-Reliance
University athletic programs are not only competitive entities but also pillars of community strength and self-reliance. The University of Houston Athletics department actively fosters civic and community engagement, encouraging its student-athletes to utilize their platforms for positive societal impact. Through various initiatives, student-athletes have contributed thousands of hours to community service, collaborating with local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Meals on Wheels, and participating in voter participation drives. These efforts highlight the value of personal initiative and the importance of giving back to the community, reinforcing the idea that sports success can translate into broader societal benefits. The Chevron Student-Athlete Leadership Program specifically enhances community engagement and leadership development, providing students with opportunities to serve and grow as leaders. This model of community involvement showcases how organized programs can cultivate a sense of responsibility and active citizenship among young adults, demonstrating a commitment to developing leaders for life.
Forging Future Success Through Competition and Character
The University of Houston Women’s Basketball team’s journey through its non-conference schedule, including the recent contest against New Mexico, provides critical learning experiences that shape individual and team character. Every game, whether a victory or a defeat, contributes to the development of competitive spirit, strategic thinking, and personal discipline. These attributes are not only vital for athletic achievement but also for cultivating responsible citizens and future leaders who understand the value of hard work and collective effort.
As the team prepares for the rigorous Big 12 Conference play, the ongoing support from the Houston community, coupled with strategic university programs and private investments, will be crucial. We encourage all Houston residents to continue supporting University of Houston TX athletics. Engage with the teams, attend games, and contribute to initiatives that bolster student-athlete development. By championing these programs, we collectively invest in the future success of our student-athletes and reinforce the foundational values of initiative, healthy competition, and community self-reliance that define our great city.
FAQ Section
Q: What was the final score of the University of Houston Women’s Basketball game against New Mexico?
A: The University of Houston Women’s Basketball team fell to New Mexico 63-41.
Q: When and where did the game take place?
A: The game occurred on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at The Pit in Albuquerque, N.M.
Q: Who was the leading scorer for the University of Houston in this game?
A: Junior guard Kierra Merchant led the University of Houston with 10 points and six rebounds.
Q: What is the University of Houston Women’s Basketball team’s current record after this game?
A: After the game, the University of Houston Women’s Basketball team’s record stands at 5-5.
Q: When does the University of Houston Women’s Basketball team begin conference play?
A: The University of Houston Women’s Basketball team is set to begin Big 12 Conference play on December 21, 2025, against West Virginia.
Q: What is the next home game for the University of Houston Women’s Basketball team?
A: The next home game for the University of Houston Women’s Basketball team is on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. CT against Montana.
FAQ Schema
Feature Table: University of Houston Women’s Basketball Snapshot
| Category | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Opponent | New Mexico Lobos | |
| Result | L, 63-41 | |
| Date | Saturday, December 13, 2025 | |
| Location | The Pit, Albuquerque, N.M. | |
| Houston’s Post-Game Record | 5-5 | |
| Houston’s Leading Scorer | Kierra Merchant (10 points, 6 rebounds) | |
| New Mexico’s Leading Scorer | Jessie Joaquim (13 points, 12 rebounds) | |
| Next Game (Home) | vs. Montana (Dec 16, 2025, 11 a.m. CT) | |
| Conference Play Start | at West Virginia (Dec 21, 2025) |
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