FW*Telegram NT women win over UTEP 60-58

[OldTimer]

Posted on Mon, Dec. 12, 2005

UNT has its way at end

By JEFF WILSON

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

DENTON - North Texas' second-half rally Sunday against UT-El Paso had a little bit of everything -- good defense, good inside game and timely bench contributions.

But the 60-58 victory wasn't secured until the Mean Green got a much-needed dose of luck. Miners forward Whitney Thornton's short jumper with two seconds left kissed off the glass and rimmed out, and UNT left the Super Pit with its seventh victory in eight games this season.

"We got a little lucky, didn't we?" Mean Green coach Tina Slinker said. "For us to win without some of our key players starting off well, that says a lot about where we are."

Senior guards Erika Bobo and Mian Williams were held to a combined 13 points by the Miners' 1-2-2 zone defense, but UNT's post players found success in the second half. Amber Jackson scored six of her team-high 12 points in the second half, and Talicia Sanders had eight points after halftime as the Mean Green rallied from a 30-24 deficit.

Interior defense was also key. UTEP's two leading scorers, forwards Kasia Krezel and Izabela Piekarska, were held to only six points, 24 below their combined season averages.

UNT (7-1) led 54-48 with 2:41 remaining and had several chances to ice the game from the free-throw line. Jackson, though, missed four of six free-throw attempts, including two with 12 seconds to play that gave UTEP a final chance.

The Miners eventually worked the ball to Thornton on the left block, but the game's leading scorer (14 points) watched as her shot spun out.

UTEP (3-4) closed the first half with a 13-2 run to take a 30-24 halftime lead.

ONLINE: meangreensports.com

UNT WOMEN 60 UT-EL PASO 58

IN THE KNOW

breakdown

Why North Texas won: The Mean Green took control inside in the second half. UNT had 24 of its 45 rebounds after halftime, and posts Talicia Sanders and Amber Jackson scored 14 of their combined 23 points in the final 20 minutes. Sanders added 13 rebounds.

Why UT-El Paso lost: The Miners committed only 10 turnovers, but eight of them came in the second half and allowed North Texas to charge from six back to eight ahead with 2:41 remaining. Ten missed free throws also hurt.

Notable

Two freshmen contributed key points and minutes. Jo Hall scored only four points, but she was on the floor down the stretch. Sanetra Jackson had six points and was one of UNT's few perimeter threats.

Up next: UNT at Texas, 2 p.m. Sunday