DENTON, Texas – The North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting matchup against Southern Methodist University (SMU) this Saturday night at the Moody Coliseum in Dallas. This game marks the 56th encounter between the two teams.
After experiencing their first setback of the season against Abilene Christian, the Mean Green are eager to return to winning ways. The recent loss, characterized by a rough shooting performance, saw North Texas struggling to secure the win despite a robust defensive showing. The team faced challenges with 26 turnovers and managed only one successful 3-point shot, leading to a 60-51 defeat.
This game will also signal the Mean Green’s first away game of the season, initiating a challenging stretch in their nonconference schedule. In addition to SMU, their upcoming games include notable opponents from Power Four programs.
SMU is facing its own difficulties, having lost three consecutive matches after beginning the season on a high note with a strong 96-70 victory over Grambling State. The Mustangs hold a historical advantage over UNT with a 22-6 record at Moody Coliseum. However, North Texas triumphed in their most recent matchup in Dallas, achieving a double-double performance from DesiRay Kernal and Tommisha Lampkin, which ended an 18-game losing streak at this venue. A victory on Saturday would mark consecutive wins at SMU, a feat not accomplished since the 1978-79 season.
Fans can tune in to the game starting at 6 p.m. CT on ACCNX or listen live on the Varsity Network app with Sam Kaman providing commentary.
Matchup Highlights
- Following their first loss of the season, UNT is determined to bounce back against SMU.
- The team is entering one of its most demanding phases of nonconference play against formidable opponents like Saint Mary’s, Texas Tech, and No. 18 Oklahoma State.
- UNT boasts one of the top scoring offenses in the nation, averaging 87 points per game and having hit the century mark twice this season.
Key Performance Indicator
Reaching 70 points has become a pivotal benchmark for the Mean Green’s success over the past two seasons:
- Last season, UNT recorded a 16-1 record when scoring 70 or more points, and under head coach Jason Burton, they are 39-2 in such scenarios.
- At The Super Pit, the Mean Green remain undefeated (27-0) when scoring 70+ points, with their only two losses occurring in crunch-time situations against Tulsa and Troy.
Potential Milestones
A victory on Saturday would bring several accomplishments for the Mean Green:
- It would elevate their record to 4-1 for the third occasion under coach Jason Burton.
- This win would mark UNT’s first victory against an active Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team.
- It would signify back-to-back wins against SMU at Moody Coliseum, a feat not achieved since the 1978-79 season.
