Mens BB opens with win over Abilene Christian

OldTimer · November 12, 2005

Mean Green Basketball Opens With Exhibition Win

Courtesy: University of North Texas

Release: 11/11/2005

Courtesy: Rick Yeatts

DENTON (11/11/05) – Four players scored in double figures to lead the North Texas men’s basketball team to a 73-50 exhibition win against Abilene Christian on Friday night at the Super Pit.

The Mean Green won its only exhibition game and will open its season on Friday, Nov. 18 against Hardin Simmons.

Junior transfer Kendrick Davis led the Mean Green in scoring with 13 points. Senior Jeffrey Simpson and sophomore Michael Sturns followed with 11 points apiece. Sophomore Quincy Williams recorded 10 points and pulled down four rebounds.

Both teams started off slow with the Mean Green going 3-for-17 from field-goal range in the first six minutes of the game. North Texas picked up the pace towards the end of the first half, shooting 44 percent the last 14 minutes. After a three-pointer by Harold Edwards, the Mean Green took its largest lead of the first half, 38-15, capping a 19-6 run.

In the second half, the Mean Green extended its lead to as many as 27 points and held a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game. After a poor shooting first half, Abilene Christian began to sink shots in the second period. The Wildcats hit 8-of-16 three-pointers in the second half after going 0-for-13 in the first.

The Mean Green used its entire bench, playing all 14 dressed players. Senior Isaac Hines led the team in rebounding with seven boards. NT held the edge in rebounds, 48-34.

North Texas vs. Abilene Christian box score

Zeke · November 12, 2005

A few thoughts:

Overall, the night showed that we will have the tools to be able to get this team off the ground. The game started off HORRIBLE for both teams. 10 minutes into the game and the score was still around 9-7. Kendrick Davis looked pretty good despite early foul trouble. We will need him on the floor more than tonight so hopefully the foul trouble was just a bit of pressing too hard after a long layoff.

I really really like Lionel Brown coming in to spell Hines. He appeared to be able to handle the point duties as well as really put on some strong on-ball pressure. The hard pressure got him burned once and I wonder if it will bite him against stronger competition. Either way I love to see defensive intensity.

Justin Howerton: Well, what can I say- it is a big jump from 2A to D1. He has a lot of hustle in him. I think his game was a case of really wanting to prove his worth right out of the gate. This anxiousness cost him by overplaying a few plays. I think he will get more composed.

Jeff Simpson looked like a man among boys at times out there.

The team will have to give the opposition less open looks. A higher caliber team would have hit those shots. Improvments still need to be made regarding offensive execution and away from the ball defense.

Every returning player looks like they have added a little muscle to them. Good to see that. New logos on the court, still same old uni's. No Space Jam nor any Gettin Jiggy Wit it at any point during the night - always a good sign.