Mean Green routed at home against Middle Tennessee State

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Brady Keane | Staff Writer

@BradyKeane3

The Mean Green women’s basketball team fell to Conference-USA foe Middle Tennessee State University 76-52 Thursday night at the Super Pit, extending the team’s losing streak to two games.

The Mean Green (7-9, 2-4) never held a lead, and the 24-point deficit marks the team’s worst loss this season.

After MTSU jumped out to a quick lead, the Mean Green was able to contain the Blue Raiders’ (10-7, 4-2) offensive attack in the first quarter by implementing a full-court press. However, the Blue Raiders began to pull away in the second quarter as the Mean Green failed to get in a groove on the offensive end. Junior guard Candice Adams went to the bench early in the quarter due to foul trouble.

MTSU’s offensive dominance was fueled by the backcourt, as he Blue Radiers’ guard trio of sophomore Abbey Sissom, Ty Petty, and Brea Edwards combined for 45 points. Edwards, who ranks sixth nationally averaging more than three 3-point field goals per game, finished with a game-high 17 points despite being held to just two 3-point baskets.

Although the Blue Raiders were red hot from behind the arc, it was the Mean Green’s offensive struggles that paved the way for MTSU to extend its lead. North Texas struggled to control the possession of the game, and finished the first half with 15 turnovers.

As the Mean Green struggled, MTSU took advantage of North Texas mistakes and turned them into points. The Blue Raiders forced 24 total turnovers and converted them into 31 points.

The offensive woes translated into one of the worst statistical nights of the season for the traditionally dynamic one-two punch of Mean Green junior guards Kelsey Criner and Adams. The two combined for just 14 points.

North Texas will look to get the offense back on track and bounce back from its second straight loss at 2 p.m. Saturday against the University of Alabama at Birmingham at the Super Pit.

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