BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — North Texas, led by a dominant double-double from Megan Nestor, seized control early and never relented in an 80-57 victory over Florida Atlantic in an American Athletic Conference women’s basketball tournament game Wednesday at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

The Mean Green, the home team on the neutral floor, advanced with a methodical performance, building a double-digit lead by halftime and stifling any attempt at a rally from the Owls. The game’s decisive stretch came in the second quarter, where North Texas extended its lead from eight points to 21 by the break, effectively putting the contest out of reach.

North Texas established its intent from the opening tip, which Nestor won. Aysia Proctor, who led all scorers, hit a 3-pointer on the game’s first possession. While Florida Atlantic’s Vivian Onugha answered with an early layup to keep pace, the Mean Green’s defensive pressure and efficient scoring began to create separation. A 10-2 run late in the first quarter, capped by consecutive layups from Nestor off assists from Proctor and Cherie Spencer, gave North Texas a 19-12 lead after one period.

The second quarter cemented North Texas’s command. The Mean Green defense forced a series of Florida Atlantic turnovers and capitalized on the other end. With the Owls struggling to find consistent offense, North Texas unleashed a 23-point quarter. Proctor was instrumental, drawing fouls and converting free throws, while Nestor controlled the interior. A layup by Mekhia Chase with just over six minutes left in the half pushed the lead to 28-15. The onslaught continued with an Andi Schissler 3-pointer and free throws from Spencer, sending North Texas into halftime with a commanding 42-23 advantage.

Florida Atlantic, which finished its season at 14-18, showed brief signs of life after halftime. Erin Rodgers and Grace Carstensen connected from deep, but every Owls push was met with an immediate response from North Texas. Jazzy Owens-Barnett and Schissler hit timely jumpers, and Nestor continued to finish inside, ensuring the lead never dipped below 16 points in the second half. The Owls’ most productive period was the fourth, where they scored 21 points, but by then the outcome was long decided.

Nestor, a 6-foot-3 junior from Canaries, St. Lucia, was the cornerstone of the victory, recording 16 points and 12 rebounds in just 25 minutes of work. Her presence on both ends anchored the Mean Green, who improved to 17-12. Proctor, a guard from Schertz, Texas, provided the scoring punch with a game-high 24 points. Owens-Barnett added 13 points, and Schissler chipped in 12.

For Florida Atlantic, Onugha posted a strong individual performance with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Erin Rodgers added 14 points and six rebounds, but the Owls were hampered by 21 turnovers, which North Texas converted into 28 points. The Mean Green also dominated in the paint, outscoring FAU 44-26.

The victory sets up a quarterfinal matchup for North Texas in the conference tournament. The game was played before an announced crowd of 307. According to Interstat’s ELO system, North Texas entered with an 83.4 percent probability to win, a projection borne out by their comprehensive performance from the opening minutes.