HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Houston Cougars look to build on a winning road conference victory when they host the Southern Lady Jaguars in a nonconference women’s basketball game Sunday at Hofheinz Pavilion. Houston (5-3) is coming off a 66-61 win at Tulsa on Nov. 30, led by Briana Peguero’s 16 points and four assists. The Cougars have shown resilience in close games, with two of their wins coming by three points or fewer, but are seeking more consistency after a 66-83 home loss to Arkansas State just two days before the Tulsa victory. Southern (2-5) arrives with momentum from its best win of the season, a 63-57 upset at Arizona on Dec. 3. The Lady Jaguars had struggled offensively prior, scoring 44 points or fewer in three of their previous four games, all losses. Their only other win came against NAIA Tougaloo on Nov. 18. A key matchup will feature the teams’ lead guards. Houston’s Peguero averages 8.1 points and 2.6 assists per game, coming off her season-high scoring performance. Southern will counter with Jocelyn Tate, who dished out five assists in the win at Arizona and has been a steadying presence, averaging 5.8 points and 2.6 assists in approximately 22 minutes per game. For Southern, Demya Porter provided a major spark against Arizona with a team-high 16 points. Houston’s offense has seen balance, with TK Pitts (17 points) and Kyndall Hunter (15 points) also starring in the Tulsa win. The game represents a final nonconference tune-up for both before demanding stretches. Houston will embark on a tough Big 12 slate after this, beginning with a trip to New Mexico on Dec. 13. Southern, a member of the SWAC, opens its conference schedule at home on Jan. 1. Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon. Houston holds a 5-3 all-time series lead, having won the last meeting 76-59 on Dec. 19, 2020.