Mens BB wins exhib game

[OldTimer]

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.