BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UNT women’s basketball team is gearing up for a big game against fourth-seeded Tulsa in the quarterfinals of the American Conference Championship this Thursday. A win would put the Mean Green against the top-seeded Rice in the semifinals on Friday night.
North Texas, with an 18-13 overall record, is eager to avenge a previous narrow loss to Tulsa, where they fell 57-53 back in January. Despite leading most of that game, the Mean Green struggled with their three-point shooting. Megan Nestor stood out in that matchup, scoring 19 points and pulling down 27 rebounds, showcasing her powerful presence on the court.
As the No. 5 seed, UNT received a bye to the second round and convincingly defeated Florida Atlantic, 80-57. This marked their 16th game of the season holding opponents under 60 points and continued their success against FAU with three wins this year. Head Coach Jason Burton now has 66 career wins at UNT, tying him with Judy Nelson for third in the program’s history.
In the showdown against FAU, four players netted double-digit points, with Aysia Proctor leading the pack at 24. She matched her career high with five three-pointers, while Nestor also contributed with 16 points and 12 rebounds, solidifying her impressive season.
One player to watch out for is Andi Schissler. She has been on fire lately, shooting nearly 50% from beyond the arc over her last 11 games and consistently scoring over 10 points. Both Proctor and Schissler have made their marks in the program’s history books for their three-point shooting.
This game at Legacy Arena will kick off at noon and can be streamed on ESPN+.
Nestor has been a standout player this season, averaging 12.9 points and 14.4 rebounds per game. She leads the NCAA with 447 total rebounds—the highest in North Texas and conference history. Interestingly, she’s the only player in her conference averaging a double-double this year. Her rebounding feats are notable; she has recorded 20 rebounds in a game six times this season, which is unprecedented.
Historically, North Texas has reached the conference quarterfinals in nine of the last ten years, but winning the tournament remains a goal. They last made finals in 2002. A win for them on Thursday would mean not only advancing to the semifinals but also securing 19 wins for the third consecutive season—a feat they’ve never achieved before.
As the excitement builds, fans are hopeful for a strong finish and perhaps a return to the NCAA Tournament in the future. The atmosphere around the team is electric, and social media buzz reflects the enthusiasm. With their talented roster and solid coaching, the Mean Green have a legitimate shot at making a memorable run this year.
For more insights on their journey, visit NCAA Women’s Basketball for latest stats and updates.
