More history for Megan Nestor

University of North Texas forward Megan Nestor is officially the best rebounder in NCAA Division I women’s basketball, according to the latest statistical bulletin issued by the United States collegiate athletics organisation on January 26. 

The 6-4 Saint Lucian transfer put together another historic night last Friday, January 23, with 19 points on just nine shots from the field, to go with a massive 27 rebounds. It was the second time in the past week she has pulled down at least 20 boards, and the third this season. She now has the two best rebounding games in the NCAA this season, having grabbed 31 caroms back in December.

Regrettably, the Mean Green ultimately dropped a close contest to Tulsa, 57-53 at the Super Pit, sending their record to 11-9, and 5-3 in the American Conference. North Texas was in control for most of the afternoon, leading for 33:46 of game time and allowing a season-low 18 points in the first half, but cold shooting down the stretch sent them to a ninth loss. 

For Nestor, a senior from Canaries, her effort represented the second-best rebounding performance ever in conference history, behind only that December outing. She now has 265 total rebounds, at 13.2 per game, both top marks in NCAA Division I. Through eight games against American competition, Nestor is averaging 13.6 points and 15.5 rebounds per game with six of her 11 double-doubles.

“Incredible game from [Nestor],” head coach Jason Burton said. “Talk about another NCAA-type record performance. You’d hope that comes in a win, so as a staff, we’ll keep at it. We’ll keep trying to figure some things out.”

Nestor is one of just four NCAA players averaging at least 12 points per game and 12 rebounds per game.