DENTON, Texas (Interstat) — The North Texas Mean Green used a dominant first half and a balanced scoring attack to secure a 75-64 victory over the Memphis Tigers in an American Athletic Conference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at the North Texas Coliseum.

A crowd of 1,371 watched the Mean Green improve to 10-7 overall, while Memphis fell to 7-11.

The game’s decisive stretch came from the opening tip. North Texas established immediate control, racing to a 23-13 lead after the first quarter and extending it to a 40-22 advantage by halftime. The Mean Green’s early success was built on efficient offense and disruptive defense. They shot 50% from the field in the first half while holding Memphis to just 22 points on 9-of-30 shooting. The Tigers also committed 12 of their 22 total turnovers before the break, which North Texas converted into 11 points.

Memphis mounted a significant challenge in the third quarter, outscoring North Texas 28-16. Guard Tamya Smith, who finished with a game-high 21 points, spearheaded the rally with 11 points in the period. Her 3-pointer with 2:58 remaining capped a 13-4 Memphis run that cut the deficit to 54-50, injecting tension into the previously one-sided contest.

However, the Mean Green stabilized in the fourth quarter. They answered every Memphis push, primarily by attacking the basket and drawing fouls. North Texas attempted 33 free throws, making 21, compared to just 14 attempts for Memphis. When the Tigers closed within six points at 62-56 with just over six minutes to play, North Texas responded with a critical 7-0 run. A layup by Mekhia Chase and a 3-pointer from Aysia Proctor pushed the lead back to 13 and effectively sealed the outcome.

North Texas showcased a balanced offensive effort. Forward Megan Nestor led the team with 17 points and added nine rebounds. Guard Mekhia Chase contributed 16 points and three assists, while forward Chania Price added 14 points. Guard Aysia Proctor finished with 12 points, including two crucial 3-pointers.

For Memphis, Smith’s 21 points came on 9-of-20 shooting. Guard Daejah Richmond added nine points, five assists and three steals. The Tigers struggled with efficiency, posting an offensive rating of 73.9 points per 100 possessions. Their 22 turnovers led to 19 North Texas points, offsetting a respectable defensive effort that forced 18 Mean Green turnovers.

The Mean Green’s interior presence was also a factor, outscoring Memphis 44-34 in the paint and outrebounding them 38-30.

Statistically, the game highlighted a contrast in styles. North Texas’s efficiency from the field, shooting 50% on 26-of-52, overcame a quiet night from beyond the arc where they were just 2-of-7. Memphis shot 38.5% overall but were a more effective 7-of-16 from 3-point range. The disparity at the free-throw line, where North Texas made 14 more free throws than Memphis attempted, proved insurmountable for the Tigers.

Based on the sequence of plays, the most important part of the game was Memphis’s third-quarter surge, which transformed a blowout into a competitive game. The Tigers’ defensive pressure intensified, generating steals and transition opportunities that fueled their 28-point quarter. This stretch forced North Texas to confront the possibility of a collapse and required them to execute in the final period to reclaim control, which they did through composed offense and continued aggression in the paint.

Memphis travels to face Wichita State next Tuesday. North Texas returns to conference play at home against Rice on Saturday.