ROCK HILL, S.C. (11/9/07) The wait is over and basketball season is finally here as the North Texas women begin the season in the Winthrop Classic tonight from Rock Hill, S.C. The Mean Green returns a bevy of starters and letterwinners and there is much anticipation for the 2007-08 season.

North Texas squares off against the host Winthrop at 6 p.m. to behind the tournament and then faces the Rice Owls on Saturday. The Mean Green closes out the weekend against Navy on Sunday afternoon.

North Texas is coming off a pounding of the Houston Jaguars 111-65 in its only exhibition game of the year. Four players scored in double figures in the win led by junior Jo Hall who poured in a game-high 21 points. Junior Kelli Buckley came off the bench in the win to provide more than just a spark as she dished out 12 assists in the win.

North Texas is playing in its first regular season tournament since the 2005 Wildcat Classic in New Hampshire. The Mean Green has typically enjoyed success in regular season tournaments, especially the ones that are of the three-game variety. North Texas has played in four previous three-game tournaments and compiled a record of 8-4.

North Texas is 19-12 all-time in season opening games but had it’s a four-game winning streak snapped last season by Baylor in the preseason WNIT.  The Mean Green is 7-8 when starting the season out away from home.

North Texas won its last season opening game away from the Super Pit in 2003 against Indiana State. Under Tina Slinker North Texas is 10-8 to start the season and since 1997-98 is 8-2 to begin the season.

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