NT Basketball Notes

[NT80]

NORTH TEXAS BASKETBALL NOTES

By Jeff Wilson, Star-Telegram Staff Writer

DENTON - North Texas' men's team got a taste of life in the NBA over the past week. Just not the life of mansions, Bentleys and million-dollar contracts.

The Mean Green played its first three games in a five-day span, jumping from court to court and airport to airport. UNT survived the rigorous start to the season with two victories at home and a road loss against nationally ranked Alabama.

"That was a concern for us when we did our schedule, this quick turnaround," coach Johnny Jones said. "Coming back in here [with a win Tuesday], that was big. That says a lot about the guys and their focus right now."

UNT opened with a 100-66 victory over Angelo State last Friday, hopped on a plane to Alabama on Saturday, lost 85-71 to the Crimson Tide on Sunday, flew back and practiced Monday, then defeated UNC-Wilmington 76-69 on Tuesday.

Whew.

"I feel like we're a great conditioned team," senior guard Leonard Hopkins said. "Anytime you play three games in five days, it takes a toll on your body, but if you prepare for it with conditioning, you're able to get through stretches."

The rest since Tuesday's game has been welcome, especially with run-and-gun Lamar and coach Billy Tubbs headed to the Super Pit on Saturday night.

"His teams always play fast," Jones said. "They like to fast break, take quick shots."

Women posts tested

The UNT women's team faced perhaps the best post game on its schedule during an 88-65 loss at Houston on Sunday, and coach Tina Slinker said the Mean Green's inside players fared well.

Mia Ajekwu was most impressive, with 11 points and nine rebounds against a Cougars front court that ranged from 6-foot-2 to 6-5.

"We got the ball inside and she [Ajekwu] scored six of the first 10 points and was fairly fearless against them when she was trying to score," Slinker said of the 6-3 sophomore forward. "It was a great test for our post players."

Freshman center Talicia Sanders gave UNT (1-1) a spark off the bench, something Slinker hopes to continue to see.

"I just don't think Talicia's getting enough touches, and that's what we're going to work on," she said.

Three for all

Junior Mian Williams appears to have the early advantage as the UNT women attempt to find a starter at small forward.

Williams, though, would be a really small forward, at 5-8. But after two games, Tina Slinker said Williams stands out. She's averaging 9.5 points per game and 4.5 rebounds, including a start against Houston.

"She's not really a 3 player, but I felt like what she's doing and her potential to score were more consistent than anyone else," Slinker said.

IN THE KNOW

Calendar

SATURDAY

Men's basketball vs. Lamar, 7 p.m.

Women's basketball at Sam Houston State, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY

Women's basketball at LSU, 7 p.m.