In a tight matchup featuring 10 lead changes, SMU women’s basketball came up just short in a 58–55 loss to North Texas on Saturday at Moody Coliseum.
SMU (1–4) led at halftime and continued to trade baskets through a competitive third quarter, but the game entered the final period tied. North Texas (4–1) edged ahead by four late, before Ayanna Thompson scored back-to-back buckets to pull SMU even once more.
A pair of clutch free throws from Paulina Paris tied the game again with just over two minutes remaining, but several late three-point attempts wouldn’t fall for the Mustangs, allowing UNT to regain a small lead. Down three in the final seconds, SMU forced a turnover and had one last chance to tie it, but the final shot couldn’t connect.
Despite the loss, SMU’s defense shined. The Mustangs forced 23 turnovers, grabbed 13 steals, and held UNT without a single made three-pointer.
Paris led SMU with 12 points and a season-high four steals, while Miriam Ibezim, making her first start of the year, dominated the boards with a career-high 14 rebounds. Thompson, Kyla Deck, and Tyi Skinner each added eight points, with Deck contributing five steals—her second game this season with five or more.
SMU opened strong with a 19–15 lead after the first quarter, fueled by 4-of-7 shooting from deep. Both teams traded runs in the second, and the game remained tight until the final buzzer.
