MIAMI (1/18/07) Lasma Jekabsone and Florida International made sure North Texas’s trip to Miami was no day at the beach, knocking off the Mean Green women’s basketball team 67-55 at Pharmed Arena.

The All-Sun Belt center went off for 23 points and six rebounds in leading the Golden Panthers (10-8, 4-4) past the Mean Green (4-12, 1-5). Jekabsone, a senior, reached double figures well before halftime, and also managed four steals and three assists to go with a pair of blocks.

The Mean Green was led by Amber Jackson who kept pace with Jekabsone for much of the first half. The sophomore raced out of the gate with six early points, and finished with a team-high 15.

Sanetra Jackson also managed double-figures for the Mean Green, notching 10 points on the night.

However, it was the NT defense that kept the Mean Green in the game. North Texas forced 23 Golden Panther turnovers and converted that into a 23-9 edge in points off turnovers.

The Mean Green bench was also a key for NT. Led by Erica Howard and Brittney James’s nine points, North Texas proved its depth with a 22-4 edge in bench scoring.

The win breaks a four game losing streak for FIU, but extends North Texas’ to five games. The Mean Green looks to step out of that slump on Saturday against Florida Atlantic. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m from The Super Pit.