In a dramatic American Conference showdown on January 28, the University of North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team mounted a staggering late-game rally that ultimately fell just short, falling 66-64 to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) on their home court.
The story of the game was one of two halves. UTSA built a commanding 20-point lead late in the third quarter, seemingly putting the contest out of reach. However, UNT unleashed an explosive offensive outburst in the final period, scoring a remarkable 36 points—their highest single-quarter total since the season opener—to nearly complete what would have been the largest comeback in the program’s history.
Leading the charge for the Mean Green was Megan Nestor, the 6’4″ forward from Canaries, Saint Lucia. The former national netball player delivered a powerhouse performance, notching her 12th double-double of the season with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Her all-around contribution included three assists, two blocks, and a steal. She was complemented by Mekhia Chase, who erupted for a career-high 20 points, 13 of which came during the critical fourth-quarter surge. Chase was exceptionally efficient, shooting 7-of-9 from the field and setting new personal bests with four three-pointers and three steals. Andi Schissler also reached double figures, adding 12 points.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Head Coach Jason Burton remained focused on the conference season ahead. ‘We just finished the first nine [conference games] at 5-4,’ Burton stated. ‘We’ve got to figure out how to get to a 7-2, 8-1, 9-0 type run on the back end of this, and it starts with Florida Atlantic this weekend.’ UNT will look to rebound against Florida Atlantic, a team they handily defeated 81-56 in the American Conference opener back on December 30.