Jaguars Ride Defensive Surge to 71–59 Win Over UNT–Dallas
San Antonio, TX- Texas A&M–San Antonio turned defense into its most potent offense Thursday night, forcing 35 turnovers and piling up 33 points off those miscues on the way to a 71–59 victory over the University of North Texas–Dallas at TAMUSA Gymnasium.
The Jaguars opened fast with a 22-point first quarter, using pressure defense and transition baskets to seize control. A&M–San Antonio recorded eight steals in the opening frame and turned several of them into quick scores, building an early separation that UNT–Dallas never fully erased.
Senior guard Evelyn Lorenzo powered the Jaguars with 17 points, including a perfect 10-for-12 performance at the free-throw line. She added five steals, part of A&M–San Antonio's season-high 24 steals overall.
Forward Aniyah Lewis delivered a dominant inside presence, finishing with a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 6-of-15 from the floor. Lewis scored nine of her points in the first quarter to help the Jaguars set the tone.
A&M–San Antonio maintained a narrow 31–29 edge at halftime, with UNT–Dallas staying within striking distance behind strong rebounding and interior scoring. But the Jaguars reasserted themselves in the third quarter, stretching the lead back to multiple possessions thanks to timely shooting from TaMya Whitemon.
The Jaguars then sealed the win at the line late, hitting 14 free throws in the fourth quarter, part of a 21-for-26 team effort at the stripe.
Defensively, A&M–San Antonio showcased its depth and intensity. Hailee Brandon posted 10 points, four steals, and three assists, while Talaiyah Andrews added four steals and two blocks. The Jaguars also rejected seven shots on the night.
Despite a strong rebounding performance from UNT–Dallas (52 boards), the visitors couldn't overcome their turnover struggles or A&M–San Antonio's balanced scoring. UNT–Dallas was led by Jade Myles, who scored 10 points, and De'Asia Johnson, who tallied nine points and 11 rebounds.
A&M–San Antonio closed the game on a decisive run, pushing the lead to as many as 15 in the final minutes — the largest margin of the night.