ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed shots and turnovers, the North Texas Mean Green edged the SMU Mustangs 58-55 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Moody Coliseum.

The contest, played before an announced crowd of 1,206, saw both teams combine to shoot under 35 percent from the floor and commit 43 turnovers. North Texas improved its season record to 4-1, while SMU fell to 1-4.

North Texas guard Aysia Proctor led all scorers with 16 points, providing a crucial offensive spark for the Mean Green. Her backcourt mate, Jazzy Owens-Barnett, added 10 points. For SMU, Paulina Paris paced the Mustangs with 12 points, while Kyla Deck contributed eight points and three assists in a team-high 37 minutes of play.

The game’s trajectory was set in a sloppy first half. SMU opened strong, building a 19-15 lead after the first quarter behind two three-pointers from Paris. However, the Mustangs’ offense stalled in the second period, managing only 10 points as North Texas clamped down defensively. The Mean Green outscored SMU 13-10 in the quarter to narrow the halftime deficit to a single point at 29-28.

The third quarter was similarly tight, with North Texas posting 15 points to SMU’s 14, leaving the teams tied at 43-43 heading into the final frame. The Mean Green then used a 7-2 run early in the fourth quarter to create a small but decisive cushion they would not relinquish.

SMU had multiple opportunities to tie or take the lead in the game’s final minute. Trailing by three, the Mustangs forced a North Texas turnover with 18 seconds remaining, but could not convert a game-tying three-point attempt on the ensuing possession. A final desperation heave at the buzzer also missed the mark, sealing the victory for the Mean Green.

The statistical sheet underscored the game’s offensive woes. North Texas shot just 19 for 53 from the field and did not make a three-pointer, going 0 for 4 from beyond the arc. They found salvation at the free-throw line, making 20 of 28 attempts. SMU was only slightly better from the floor, shooting 21 for 66, and connected on just 5 of 26 three-point attempts. The Mustangs also attempted far fewer free throws, making 8 of 12.

Both teams were plagued by ball security, with North Texas committing 23 turnovers and SMU giving the ball away 20 times. The Mustangs did hold advantages in assists (13-8), steals (13-8), and blocks (5-3), but it was not enough to overcome their scoring inefficiency.

Inside, North Texas was bolstered by Megan Nestor, who scored 11 points and blocked two shots, and Tionna Lidge, who added nine points. SMU’s Ayanna Thompson finished with eight points and a block.

The win gives North Texas momentum heading into a multi-team event in Frisco next week, while SMU will look to regroup on the road in Nashville.