MOBILE, Ala. — A fast start against South Alabama had the North Texas women’s basketball team thinking triumph Saturday, but a tough defensive stand by the Jaguars was too much to overcome in a 65-61 loss at the Mitchell Center.
Alexis Hyder led the Mean Green (10-17, 9-10 Sun Belt) with 16 points, and a late surge from Desiree Nelson helped claw North Texas back into the game.Down 16 points with eight minutes to go, a then-scoreless Nelson posted a personal 10-point run that made it a six point game with 3:20 left.Loryn Goodwin cut the lead to three, 64-61, with a 3-pointer from the left of the key with 14.8 on the clock, but the Jaguars (15-12, 8-10) sealed the victory from the line.The Jaguars had seven blocks and 11 steals, and they scored 19 points off North Texas turnovers.Former North Texas player Mansa El led South Alabama with 19 points, while Camille Reynolds tallied 14. Hyder got North Texas going early three layups and a free throw to spark a 11-0 for a 17-6 lead in the first half. The freshman scored in 12 first-half points on 5-of-8 shooting.North Texas returns home to face Arkansas State at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Super Pit.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
