BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — No. 5 North Texas defeated No. 9 Florida Atlantic 80–57 in the second round of the 2026 American Women’s Basketball Championship on Wednesday afternoon at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
 
With the win, the Mean Green (18-13) advance to face No. 4 Tulsa in the quarterfinals of the 2026 American Women’s Basketball Championship on Thursday, March 12, at 1 p.m. ET / noon CT on ESPN+.
 
Trailing 12–10, the Mean Green closed the first quarter on a 9–0 run over the final 1:42 to take a seven-point lead into the second period. North Texas forced the Owls into seven first-quarter turnovers. The Mean Green extended their lead in the second quarter, shooting 45.5 percent from the floor to take a 42–23 advantage into halftime. North Texas continued its dominance in the second half, shooting 46.7 percent from the field to pull away for the eventual 80–57 victory.
 
North Texas had four players score in double figures: Aysia Proctor (24), Megan Nestor (16), Jazzy Owens-Barnett (13) and Andi Schissler (12). Nestor added 12 rebounds to secure a double-double.
 
Vivian Onugha led the Owls with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Erin Rodgers contributed 14 points.