Mean Green Down ULM 68-55

{fshare id=2096}

MONROE, La. – North Texas got the start it was looking for and a double-double from Roger Franklin in a 68-55 win over ULM on Saturday afternoon.

Franklin, who picked up a career-high 20 points on Thursday, pounded the Warhawks for 16 points and a career-high 15 rebounds for his second career double-double.

North Texas (11-8, 4-2 Sun Belt) opened up a quick 19-2 lead over the game’s first nine minutes thanks to the long-range shooting of Tony Mitchell and Brandan Walton. The combo splashed home the game’s opening 3-pointers and combined for all eight of NT’s 3-pointers on the day.

Walton scored a career-high 18 points on 5-of-8 shooting from 3-point, while Mitchell nearly posted his fourth double-double with 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

The Warhawks (2-17, 1-5 Sun Belt) remain winless at home on the year, and committed 18 turnovers on the afternoon. They were led by Charles Winborne, who knocked down a trio of 3-poiniters and 15 points.

With Franklin and Mitchell tying up the paint, the guard play of Walton helped NT knock down 5-of-12 three-point shots in the first half and open up a 37-18 edge going into the break. NT led by as many as 23 in the second.

North Texas hosts its final exhibition game on Jan. 18 at noon against Huston-Tillotson. NT will return to Sun Belt play on Saturday, Jan. 21 against Denver at 7 p.m.