Men win exhibition 87-83

[NT80]

Barnett, Mitchell Lead Mean Green in Final Exhibition Win

DENTON (11/14/03) -- Sophomore center Justin Barnett collected his first-ever double-double and newcomer Marqus Mitchell poured in a team-leading 20 points Friday night as the North Texas men's basketball team battled past the Texas Blue Chips, 87-83, in a final exhibition tune-up at the Super Pit.

The Mean Green now prepare for their 2003-04 season opener at home against Northwestern Oklahoma State, scheduled for next Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:00 at the Super Pit.

Although five North Texas players scored in double figures in claiming their second exhibition win in a week, it didn't come easy. The Mean Green led by just two points, 34-32 at halftime, and held as little as a one-point lead with 4:01 left in the game.

Mitchell connected on nine of 18 field goals to pace the Mean Green with 20 points in his second game in a NT uniform. The 6-0 junior transferred to North Texas after playing two seasons at State Fair Community College.

Barnett, meanwhile, finished with 13 points along with 11 rebounds to register the first double-double of his North Texas career. He hit four field goals and went 5-of-7 at the free throw line for his 13 points. Eight of his team-high 11 rebounds came on the offensive end.

Also scoring in double figures for the Mean Green were Scott Roniger and Michael Jones with 13 apiece and Ron Harris with 10. Michael DeGrate ended with nine points and nine rebounds. Roniger also led the team in assists (4) and steals (3) while Ty Thomas came up with a team-high three blocked shots in the game.

[Buford_Julep]

Will Smith (Knee) was not on the bench.

Jerome Rogers was in uniform but did not play. No official explanation, but his wrist and thumb were thoroughly taped.

Len Hopkins played, but seemed to be a step or two slower than ususal, and not quite the player he was last year.

Marqus Mitchell (6-0) showed some amazing leaping ability, while doing most of his scoring in the lane.

[NT80]

Will Smith (Knee) was not on the bench.

Jerome Rogers was in uniform but did not play. No official explanation, but his wrist and thumb were thoroughly taped.

Len Hopkins played, but seemed to be a step or two slower than ususal, and not quite the player he was last year.

Marqus Mitchell (6-0) showed some amazing leaping ability, while doing most of his scoring in the lane.

Are we in trouble already this year because of injuries?

[Buford_Julep]

Time will tell. NT is due a break after four straight injury and defection plagued seasons.

Hopkins is not injured now. He just needs some work to get in shape and get his game sharp. I'm hoping he will be all the way back by the time cvonference play starts.

No word yet on Will Smith's knee.

[Travis]

You can tell that Hopkins knee had really hindered his physical conditioning over the off season (at least I thought so from the game)..

But he still seems to be a force for this season...

He looks like he has put on some wieght and has gotten thicker (don't know if that is good or not)...

He seemed to be fast when he wanted to sprint down court... I think he will be just fine all and all.

We seem to have some tools together to have a successful season. Marqus Mitchell seems to show some great things.. And Roniger has looked impressive in leading the team... It was nice to see Roniger not afraid to shoot or bring it to the whole.

Barnett will have a good season, he has great size. I wish i could have seen Will Smith out there.. hope he doesn't miss many games...

[Smokey]

Mitchell can fly.

[OldTimer]

Freshman recruit Calvin Watson has a foot injury also.