SMU Women Defeat North Texas

via SMU

DALLAS (SMU)— Alicia Froling led the Mustangs to a 65-51 victory over North Texas Wednesday night in Moody Coliseum. SMU improved to 5-2 overall, while the Mean Green fell to 2-4 on the season.

Froling earned her sixth double-double of the season, 23 points with 10 rebounds. She added three new career-highs with six assists, five blocks and five steals to lead the Mustangs in each of the five categories. The junior is now tied for fourth in SMU career double-doubles with 25, matching Kim Brungart (1992-96).

SMU outscored the Mean Green 20-10 in the fourth quarter to seal the fifth victory of the season and remain undefeated at home (3-0). Junior Stephanie Collins scored eight of SMU’s 20 points in the final quarter, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the field. Leading 45-41 at the beginning of the quarter, Collins scored two back-to-back lay-ups, on Froling assists, to give the Mustangs an eight-point lead, 49-41. Mikayla Reese attacked the lane for a quick two points, with 5:47 left to play, to extend SMU’s lead to 14, 55-41. Froling then nailed two free throws, putting the Mustangs 16 points ahead, 59-43, the largest lead of the night. McKenzie Adams found Dai’ja Thomas for two points on a breakaway with just seconds left in the game, putting the final margin at 14, 65-51.

The SMU defense accounted for 13 steals and nine blocks, both season highs, holing UNT to a 32.1 shooting percentage, 18-of-56 from the field.

Kiara Perry finished with 12 points, reaching double figure scoring for the third time this season. The junior also had nine rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Thomas posted nine points and grabbed five rebounds.

The Mustangs travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to take on the Lobos Saturday Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. CT/1 p.m. MT, before returning home to host No. 25 Texas A&M Monday at 7 p.m.