UNT Basketball Wins Fifth Straight With 77-64 Win Over FAU

[Tommy Gadberry]

DENTON – The UNT men’s basketball remained undefeated at home with a 77-64 win over Florida Atlantic at the Super Pit Sunday.

Moulaye Sissoko recorded his second double-double of the season and third of his career on 14 points and a season-high 13 rebounds. Sissoko has now scored double-digit points in four consecutive games, extending his career-long streak. 

North Texas (15-4, 6-1), who trailed by seven at the half, scored 50 points in the second half to earn its fourth come from behind win of the season. It’s the most points UNT has scored in a half against a conference opponent since scoring 55 against Rice on Dec. 29, 2018.

“I give coach [John] Jakus and his staff a lot of credit, they came in with a big spirit,” UNT head coach Ross Hodge said. “I thought with eight minutes to go in the first half, we started getting a little more active, started getting some more turnovers and cut into the lead.”

The Owls (10-10, 3-4) got their early lead behind Kaleb Glenn, as his 11 points at half led Florida Atlantic to the 34-27 lead at the break. 

UNT’s offensive explosion in the second half was led by Brenen Lorient, who built upon his five points in the first half with 12 in the second half. The Mean Green also took care of the ball as they finished with 10 assists and just five turnovers on the day. 

The Mean Green took the lead at the 11:07 mark of the second half on a Sissoko jumper and did not look back. 

Lorient finished with 17 points, his 11th double-digit performance of the season. 

Atin Wright also scored 17 points, going 4-8 from 3-point range. 

Sunday’s win also ends a five-game losing streak to FAU and is North Texas’ fifth straight overall win this year, which is a season best. They are now 11-0 at home for the first time since the 2010-11 season. 

Next up, North Texas heads to Wichita State on Wednesday at Koch Arena. The contest tips off at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+ and the Mean Green Sports Network presented by Learfield.