Mean Green Beat FIU, 72-57

meangreenfaninno · January 2, 2023

DENTON — The North Texas men’s basketball team had one of its best offensive performances of the year Saturday as they defeated FIU 72-57 from the Super Pit.

The Mean Green (11-3, 2-1) had four players score in double figures against the Panthers (6-7, 0-2), led by Tylor Perry’s 20, and shot 50 percent from the field as a team (23-46).

“How we played offensively today shows what our potential can be on that end of the court,” said senior Tyree Eady who scored a season-high 11 points against FIU. “We were confident shooters today and made our free throws.”

UNT made 11 3-pointers Saturday, its most in 10 games and shot 52.4 percent from deep. They were 4-of-5 in the second half.

They were 15-of-18 at the free throw line, which tied a season-high percentage at the charity stripe.

In addition to Eady’s season-high scoring output Saturday, junior Rubin Jones who is still not 100 percent since having offseason surgery, also scored a season-high against FIU as he finished with 12 points.

Jones was also a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line Saturday.

Senior Kai Huntsberry got out of a shooting funk Saturday as he scored 18 points. His highest scoring output in eight games.

“To win this conference we know it’s going to start with defense,” Huntsberry said. “But we all know we can be better offensively than we have the last few games. “

UNT had the strong offensive performance Saturday despite junior Abou Ousmane going scoreless for the first time in 45 games. Villanova in the round of 32 of the 2021 NCAA Tournament was the last team to hold Ousmane without a point.

Saturday, Ousmane got in foul trouble in the first few minutes of the game.

North Texas hits the road next as they travel to Western Kentucky on Thursday to face the Hilltoppers. Tip is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and the Mean Green Sports Network, presented by Learfield.