SAN ANTONIO — The UTSA women’s basketball team will ring in the New Year and Conference USA play on the road when it matches up with North Texas on Friday and Rice two days later.
Friday’s meeting between North Texas and UTSA will be the 24th all-time with the Mean Green leading the series. The last time the two teams squared off, UTSA won 57-54 and earned a first-round bye to the conference tournament.
UTSA (4-6) heads to Denton following Monday's 51-47 loss to Texas Southern. The Roadrunners made up some ground in the second quarter but ultimately fell in the end. Alexus Dukes and Kasia Kiejdrowska led the way nine points, while Tesha Smith and Akunna Elonu grabbed 11 and 10 rebounds, respectively.
Smith continues to lead the Roadrunners with 12.8 points and 8.5 boards per game. Elonu adds 8.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, both of which rank second on the team.
UTSA is averaging 65.9 points per game and holding opponents to 34.6 shooting percentage, which ranks 32nd in the NCAA.
North Texas (5-5) defeated Incarnate Word by a score of 62-55 in its last outing and the Mean Green come into the contest with consecutive wins for the first time this season.
UNT has a pair of players averaging double figures with Acheil Tac leading the way with 10.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Tac is also shooting 87.1 percent (27-of-31) from the charity stripe. Meanwhile, Candice Adams adds 10.8 points per outing to go along with 24 assists.
Meanwhile, Rice (1-10) will host UTEP on New Year’s Day before taking on the Roadrunners on Sunday. The Owls’ only win this year came against Sam Houston State, 58-46.
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