UNT Women Win Conference Opener
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DENTON, Texas- North Texas women’s basketball snapped it’s four game losing streak in the conference home opener against UALR in dramatic fashion, winning 64-57.
The win snaps North Texas’ (8-6, 1-0 SBC) nine-game losing streak to the defending Sun Belt Tournament Champion UALR (4-9, 0-1 SBC), earning its first win over the Trojans since 2005-06. The Mean Green is now 10-2 in Sun Belt openers.
UALR lingered around throughout the game but couldn’t keep up with the Mean Green’s energy. The Trojans were able to cut the lead down to 60-57 with 1:42 left after a pair of Marian Kursh free throws but could not keep their ship afloat.
On the Mean Green’s following possession, Tamara Torru hauled in an offensive rebound which was followed by a Brittney Hudson jumper to make it a two possession game and solidify the victory.
The Trojans foul trouble cost them at the line allowing North Texas to shoot 19-for-25 compared to UALR’s 9-for-16. After a streak of six fouls in 3:42 minutes and a technical foul on the Mean Green late into the second half, the Trojans still weren’t able to capitalize on the advantage shooting only five for nine during the stretch.
The Mean Green’s bench was too much for the Trojans as well, outscoring UALR 14-2.
Both teams opened up the second half strong, exchanging basket for basket. UALR’s Taylor Gault tied the game 42-42 on a fast break lay-up after a Desiree Nelson turnover with 11:37 left in the second half. The Trojans trailed by as many as 11 points during the game.
The Mean Green led at half 31-26 after Brittney Hudson’s two late free throws with nine seconds left. Desiree Nelson’s made 3-point shot gained the Mean Green their first lead of the game 9-8 with 15:09 left and never trailed for the rest of the half.
Sophomore forward Ash’Lynne Evans dropped a career-high 18 points before fouling out with 2:13 left in the game. Evans passed her season high (eight) early on in the first half with 10 points and would finish the night with eight rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. This is her first double-digit scoring game of the season and the fifth of her career.
Junior forward Sara Stanley scored 13 points in her Sun Belt Conference debut, topping her career-high 12 points set earlier this month against Texas A&M-CC.
Torru came up three assists and three rebounds short of North Texas’ first ever triple double. She wracked up 10 or more points for the 10 th time this season and the 24th time in her career. Her seven assists are the most by a North Texas player since Kasondra Foreman had on December 13, 2010.
Senior guard Alyssa Hankins tied a career-high four assists while Hudson scored nine or more points for the ninth straight game.
The Mean Green continues conference play this Saturday, December 31, against Troy at 1 p.m. in the Super Pit.
