University of North Texas Athletics
University of North Texas
7-6,1-0American
Florida Atlantic
6-7,0-1American
Proctor’s Career High Drives Women’s Basketball to Win in Conference Opener
12/30/2025 8:34:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The junior guard had 22 points in her first start of the season
BOCA RATON, Fla. – A dominant third quarter propelled the UNT women's basketball team to an 81-56 road victory over Florida Atlantic Tuesday inside Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
The Mean Green improved to 7-6 overall and 1-0 in American Conference play, while the Owls fell to 6-7 and 0-1 in what was the conference opener for both teams.
North Texas led the majority of the first half, but didn't pull away until a 15-0 run in the third quarter put the Mean Green up 54-32 heading into the final period. It was the sixth time this season UNT has gone on a 10-0 run or better, and first instance since December 6 against Texas Southern.
Aysia Proctor was the leading scorer for North Texas in her first start of the season with a career-high 22 points. The junior guard had 12 of her 22 in the first half and 4-of-6 3-point attempts on the night.
"I felt really confident in myself today," Proctor said. "I've been in the gym a lot shooting more shots and getting my shots off quicker, so I just knew it was going to be a good game today."
True freshman Cherie Spencer was also inserted into the starting lineup and posted nine points with four rebounds, one assist and no turnovers in her first career start. Jazzy Owens-Barnett came off the bench for the first time this year to score 11 points and joined Spencer with zero turnovers. Megan Nestor also reached double figures with 13 points and nine rebounds, nearly recording her sixth double double of the season.
The North Texas defense got back to its normal self after struggling to guard during its three-game skid. The Mean Green held Florida Atlantic to 27% shooting on the night – the second lowest mark of the season for an opponent.
"We really got it done on the defensive end and it took everybody," head coach Jason Burton said. "I'm really proud of our team that it was everybody, not just one or two people we were relying on. Our whole team came out and guarded, and then I'm really proud of my point guards. They played a game where neither one turned the ball over and that was key for us as far as getting those turnovers down."
Up next for the Mean Green will be another road test as they travel to South Florida for a 6 p.m. CT tip-off on Saturday from the Yuengling Center.
