Women’s basketball wins first Conference USA game
Faye Darku // Intern Writer
The Mean Green women’s basketball team claimed its first Conference USA win in school history with a 63-50 victory over Marshall University Wednesday night at the Super Pit.
Things didn’t look good early for the Mean Green (7-9) as Marshall took a 9-2 lead as UNT struggled against the Thundering Herd’s fast-paced offense.
“I thought at the start of the game we let them dictate,” head coach Mike Petersen said. “They were very aggressive on the glass and offensively and we weren’t as aggressive.”
Making matters worse, the Mean Green struggled to rebound the ball in the early goings, giving Marshall extra shot opportunities. With 7:54 remaining in the first half the Mean Green defense played more aggressively, especially on rebounds, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.
The Mean Green offense started clicking with a three-pointer from freshman guard Candice Adams and two made free throws by sophomore forward Acheil Tac, tying the game at halftime. The UNT defense forced multiple turnovers as 20 of the 25 points at halftime were either off second chances or Marshall miscues.
“We made some good shots toward the end of the first half,” head coach Mike Petersen said. “Once we got the wheels under us we played really well.”
UNT continued the offensive momentum and went on a 17-9 run to start the second half. The team led by as many as 15 points and never looked back.
Senior guard Laura McCoy set the tone for offense at the beginning of the second half by making her first three shots, including a three-pointer.
“I always want to play well and I’ve been struggling but I’ve been trying to get into a rhythm and get extra shots and I think that helped me out,” McCoy said.
Mean Green sophomore forward Alexis Hyder posted a season-high 18 points off the bench. She also provided a spark on defense and grabbed five rebounds.
“I just got energy coming off the bench,” Hyder said. “I don’t want to be a liability so I just focused on finishing and playing well.”
Next on the schedule for the Mean Green is The University of Texas at San Antonio at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Super Pit.
Feature photo: Sophomore forward Alexis Hyder #33 jumps for the rebound against Leah Scott #1 of the Marshall thundering herd at the Super Pit on Tuesday night. Photo courtesy of Rick Yeatts
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