NT BBall game notes and summaries

[NT80]

UNT running game stymies Angelo St.

By Jeff Wilson, Star-Telegram Staff Writer

DENTON - North Texas' football team isn't the only bunch on campus that can run.

The Mean Green's men's basketball team scored at will in the second half of its season opener Friday night at the Super Pit, running and dunking to a 100-66 victory over Angelo State.

UNT forced 15 second-half turnovers -- 27 in the game -- and extended a 43-34 halftime lead to as many as 41 points late in the game. But the first five minutes after halftime, when the Mean Green used its full-court press to take a 57-40 lead, were the key.

"We came out, loosened up, got in our rhythm, and it exploded from there," said forward Michael Jones, who scored a career-high 16 points. "We know if we bring the pressure, they'll make the mistakes."

The lead grew to 99-58 with 2:02 remaining after the Mean Green scored 16 consecutive points on three layups and four dunks. UNT had 22 fast-break points to the Rams' four, 62 points in the paint to the Rams' 26, and 23 points off turnovers.

"Our guys can go from one end of the floor pretty quick," said UNT coach Johnny Jones, who improved to 4-0 in season openers. "There's nothing like getting an easy fast-break basket."

Michael Jones fueled UNT in the first half with 12 points, six of his career-high nine rebounds, and four steals. Freshman Michael Sturns fed Jones for four easy points and scored two of his own on a layup during a 13-4 run to close the half.

Women

North Texas 62, Binghamton 44: Kelsie Edwards scored 14 points, and the Mean Green's defense forced 22 first-half turnovers in a season-opening rout over the Bearcats.

The Mean Green led 30-10 at halftime and 51-30 with 7:39 remaining. Junior guard Mian Williams scored six of her career-high 11 points in the second half.

"I was really pleased, especially with the way we started the game defensively," said UNT coach Tina Slinker, who improved to 9-7 in season openers. "Anytime you hold anybody in Division I to 10 points in a half, you're doing something right."

IN THE KNOW

MEN'S BREAKDOWN

Why UNT won: Angelo State could not break the Mean Green's full-court press in the second half, committing 15 turnovers.

Why Angelo State lost: The Rams were outrebounded 59-35 and outscored 62-26 in the paint. Angelo State was outscored 70-36 after forging a 30-30 tie with 4:24 left in the first half.

Notable

• UNT freshman forward Quincy Williams had 10 points and seven rebounds in only 11 minutes. But his three blocked shots, all on drives to the basket, were most impressive.

• UNT senior guard Leonard Hopkins matched Michael Jones with a game-high 16 points.

Up next: North Texas at Alabama, 3:30 p.m. Sunday

NORTH TEXAS 100, ANGELO STATE 66

WOMEN'S BREAKDOWN

Why UNT won: The Mean Green forced 22 first-half turnovers and held Binghamton to 10 points on 21 percent shooting (3-of-14).

Why Binghamton lost: Forward Jen Haubrich was in early foul trouble, allowing UNT to control the paint.

Notable

• UNT junior guard Mian Williams scored a career-high 11 points off the bench.

• UNT shot only 31.8 percent (21-for-66) and 28.6 percent (6-21) on 3-pointers.

Up next: North Texas at Houston, 2 p.m. Sunday