Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: SPORTS

Media Credit: Holly Dutton TWU guard Jessica Durr attempts to block a shot by Senior guard Tricia Lee during an exhibition game Nov.11.

Media Credit: Holly Dutton TWU forward Megan Hashman attempts to block a shot by junior guard Brittney James during an exhibition game Nov.11.

Shanice Stephens, the new Mean Green women's basketball head coach, got off on the right foot with an 85-77 win over the Texas Woman's University Pioneers Tuesday night.

The exhibition was Stephen's first live-game action since taking the job in April.

"This really gives us a baseline to see where we are to start the season out," Stephens said. "Our defense had some lapses, and we are going to have to cut that out to be a successful team."

NT got off to a slow start, trailing 11-8 four minutes into the game.

"Two of their players stepped up big early," Stephens said. "We have to work on stopping the other teamís key players."

NT came out of the time-out at the 13-minute mark running a half-court trap that led to four turnovers and a 10-2 run, pulling the Mean Green ahead 24-19.

"I wanted to spring the trap on them ever so often," Stephens said. "It definitely puts the team back on their heels. If we didn't get a steal from it, you would see the other team have to get off a quick shot. Then it just came down to rebounding."

With four minutes left in the half, the Pioneers took a 36-35 lead after point guard Renee Renz sunk two free throws. The Mean Green went into halftime leading 48-40.

"I have been thinking back to my senior year of high school," senior forward Jo Hall said. "I averaged a double-double, and hopefully this can be a start of playing pretty well when I was young."

Junior forward Torrian Timms added a layup with 10 minutes to play to bring the score to 68-52. The 16-point lead was the largest of the night for NT.

TWU guard Jessica Durr added two free throws with 1:58 remaining to bring TWU within eight points, but NT shifted back to the half-court trap and caused two straight turnovers.

Senior guard Yari Escalera fouled out with eight seconds remaining but ended the game with 13 points. Hall earned a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds on the night.

Senior forward Amber Jackson sat out because of a preseason suspension.

"With Amber out, coach said before the game that someone would have to pick up for her shots," Hall said. "I took that as a challenge and tried to step up for my team."

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