University of North Texas Athletics
University of North Texas
19-14,11-7American
(1) Rice
28-4,17-1American
Women’s Basketball Falls to Rice in American Conference Championship Semifinals
3/14/2026 12:13:00 AM | Women's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UNT women's basketball team was knocked out of the American Conference Championship Friday night after falling to top-seeded Rice in the semifinal round, 71-67.
Playing its third game in as many days, North Texas (19-14, 11-7 American) held a five-point lead at halftime but was unable to secure its first conference tournament finals appearance since 2002. Rice took command of the game through a 27-11 third quarter that was ultimately enough to fend off a late Mean Green run in the game's final minutes.
North Texas shot 40% from the field and made eight three-pointers Friday, however, a 48-35 rebounding advantage for the Owls proved to be the difference in the game. That tied UNT's biggest rebound deficit of the season and led to Rice scoring 23 second-chance points. Meanwhile, the eight Mean Green triples increased its season total to 181, which is the highest mark in program history.
"The game was won really off of one category, and it was offensive rebounds," head coach Jason Burton said. "I'm incredibly proud of our young women for how they played this year, how they battled and how they came together."
Megan Nestor tallied a team-high 16 points and 10 rebounds for her 21st double double of the year, moving past Sharon Shelton for second most by a UNT player in a single season. Aysia Proctor and Chania Price also reached double figures with 12 apiece.
The Mean Green will now await their postseason tournament fate following its third consecutive campaign winning at least 19 games.
