DENTON, Texas Junior Nnenna Akotaobi (Thornton, Colo.) recorded a game-high 18 points, but the University of Denver women’s basketball team fell 55-42 on Thursday evening to North Texas at the Super Pit.

 

“The first half we gave up eight points offensive rebounds and in the second half, their offensive boards, combined with our lack of shooting touch, did us in,” said head coach Pam Tanner.

 

Tied at 4-4, Akotaobi hit a three to give DU a 7-4 advantage, Denver’s largest lead of the opening half. The Pioneers (9-15, 4-9 SBC) tied the score at 11-11 after a lay-in by Akotaobi. North Texas (12-13, 7-6 SBC) led by as many as eight points, twice, in the first half, and led 28-21 at half. Denver shot 33.3 percent in the first half.

 

Denver trailed 32-23 in the beginning of the second half but Akotaobi converted on a basket and foul situation, and senior Brooke Meyer (Denver, Colo.) hit a three to pull DU within three.

 

Trailing 35-29, Akotaobi hit her second three of the game to pull Denver within three. Senior Sara Benham (Muleshoe, Texas) hit one-of-two from the free throw line to get DU within two at 10:12 remaining.

 

UNT’s Talicia Sanders hit a jumper and Erica Howard hit both free throws to extend the Mean Green’s lead to six. After Benham pulled Denver within four at 39-35 with a jumper, UNT went on a 14-2 run, leading by as many as 16.

 

Denver shot 30.0 percent (16-for-53) in the game, but lead North Texas in assists, 9-to-5.

 

UNT’s Amber Jackson led the Mean Green with 16 points.

 

Denver’s road trip continues against Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 4:30 p.m. MT.