North Texas Opens Season With Win

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DENTON – A combination of experienced veterans and talented newcomers led the North Texas men’s basketball team to an 84-62 season-opening victory against Arkansas-Monticello on Friday night at the Super Pit.

Behind 53 percent shooting in the first half, North Texas jumped out to a 12-point lead at the break. A 12-4 run midway through the second half extended its lead to 20 points and sealed the win.

“We are really proud of the guys,” said North Texas head coach Tony Benford. “I’m proud of Jordan Williams, who had nine assists. We still had too many turnovers. The freshmen did a good job, White-Pittman and Combs are really going to help us this season.”

Freshman Jeremy Combs started his North Texas career by leading all scorers with 17 points. He was one rebound shy of a double-double with nine rebounds, which tied a team high. The freshman was active all over the court, pulling down defensive rebounds on one end and finishing fast breaks on the other side.

Senior Jordan Williams had an all-around performance, scoring 12 points and dishing out a career-high nine assists.

In its first game, the Mean Green held the advantage in all statistical categories, except free-throw shooting and turnovers. North Texas scored 13 points from the free-throw line but shot just 54 percent. North Texas also recorded 17 turnovers, while causing 14.

“Overall, a good team effort,” said Benford. “We had a good zone. I think we are going to have a good zone defense. We have to continue to rebound the basketball.