Fw*tele Long/good Article On Nt Bb Win

OldTimer · November 15, 2007

Put Denton on the map

By TROY PHILLIPS

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

DENTON RECORD-CHRONICLE/GARY PAYNE VIA AP

UNT freshman Josh White (10) is carried off the court by Harold Stewart, left, and Ben Bell as they celebrate with Keith Wooden (2) after beating Oklahoma State. DENTON -- In a potential résumé-building game against Oklahoma State, UNT created something the Super Pit has missed for years: a big-time atmosphere.

On the down side, good luck getting Oklahoma State to return anytime soon.

Senior Keith Wooden and freshman Josh White each scored 25 points, as UNT (2-0) answered rally after rally by Oklahoma State (1-1) in an 82-73 victory before 6,793 fans.

It was a moment more suited for March with the student body rushing the floor and players being hauled overhead off the floor. Historically, it was UNT's eighth-largest crowd and the largest since 6,200 for a game against Texas in 1981.

"They gave us energy tonight," UNT coach Johnny Jones said. "From start to finish, it was great."

Against a Big 12 team working through its own inexperience, UNT worked six newcomers into the game, none taking a bigger role than White, a freshman point guard.

His 3-pointer off Quincy Williams' screen with 3:25 to play put Oklahoma State down 71-63. He also made six consecutive free throws in the final 44 seconds.

"I think of all those days when I got up to work out at 6 a.m.," White said of his preparation for college games. "If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't be here."

White, 8-for-13 from the field, outshined Oklahoma State's outstanding true freshman, high school All-America forward James Anderson (5-for-15, 16 points). At 5-foot-10, White also put some defensive muscle on 6-5 Oklahoma State guard Obi Muonelo, holding him to 2-of-7 shooting.

As for Wooden, the Cowboys had no answer for the UNT senior, who continued his strong play that helped fuel the Mean Green's run to last year's NCAA Tournament. Wooden, who was 12-for-14, faced up Oklahoma State defenders, hit a few jump hooks and ran the break.

"He really took advantage of our inexperience inside," Oklahoma State coach Sean Sutton said. "I'm disappointed we didn't play better, but I'm not shocked we lost."

It was Wooden who gave UNT, which led 44-35 at halftime, the last push it needed. The Cowboys used an 11-0 run to pull within 51-50. Wooden's own 6-0 run, with the help of assists by White and Ben Bell, made it 57-50. Collin Dennis stretched it to 61-50 with a lane floater and jumper.

"Keith was a tough matchup," Jones said. "That's what I expect him to be."

NORTH TEXAS MEN 82, OKLAHOMA STATE 73

Breakdown

Why UNT won: The Mean Green had good inside-out balance, shot 50 percent and outrebounded Oklahoma State 40-35.

Why Oklahoma State lost: The Cowboys had just so many comebacks in them after falling behind in the first half, and not enough help for senior Marcus Dove (23 points).

Notable

UNT center Keith Wooden and forward Harold Stewart had a combined 16 rebounds. Stewart and Dez Willingham combined for 16 points.

Against a quality opponent, UNT showed its improved depth, with eight players playing at least 14 minutes.

Up next: Indiana State at UNT, 2 p.m. Saturday; Okla. State vs. LSU at Maui, Hawaii, 4 p.m. Monday

Troy Phillips, 817-390-7760

Green Lantern · November 15, 2007

White hitting those free throws down the stretch is exactly what I've been wanting to see out of a Mean Green PG for years. I have total confidence that if we put the ball in his hands coming down the stretch that he will sink em' from the line. I'm so impressed with this guy. We are gonna win a ton of games with this guy leading our team.

Also, major props to Wooden. He had a monster game as well. I was hoping that he would continue to build off of his SBC tourney and Memphis performances. It looks like we will be getting major production from him this year.