UNT Routs Lamar

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MANHATTAN, Kan. – Tony Mitchell and Alzee Williams went shot-for-shot in the second half to help North Texas pull away from Lamar and pick up the first career victory for Tony Benford – a 74-59 win in the NIT Season Tip-Off.

A Preseason All-American, Mitchell racked up 18 points and 10 rebounds for his 12th career double-double, and Williams hit a trio of jumpers in each half for 17 points. Still, the night belonged to Benford, who earned the victory after a 20-plus year coaching career that made him one of the most respected assistant coaches in the country.

After a couple of off shooting nights in the rear view mirror, North Texas (1-2) found its stroke against the Cardinals (0-2). NT shot 45.3 percent on the night, including a 48.4 clip in outscoring the Cardinals 38-29 in the second half. The Mean Green led by as much as 22 against Lamar.

North Texas got the start it was looking for after a thunderous dunk from Keith Coleman put NT on top 11-6 and drew a timeout from Lamar head coach, Pat Knight. The Cardinals responded with 48.1 percent shooting to draw back into the game, but the Mean Green defense forced 12 Lamar first-half turnovers.

Clarke Overlander splashed home his first career 3-pointer with just under two minutes left in the first half to give NT its biggest lead of the night at 34-28. Lamar’s Donnell Minton answered with a bucket just before the break to cut NT’s lead to 36-30 at the half.

NT’s explosiveness caught up with the Cardinals early in the second frame, as Alzee Williams hooked up with Jordan Williams for an alley-oop that opened up the Mean Green lead.

Chris Jones joined Alzee Williams and Mitchell in double figures with 15 points and seven assists. Jacob Holmen scored eight in the second half to reach 10 for the game.

North Texas returns to the Super Pit to face Cameron in the home opener on Friday. Tip off is slated for 7 p.m. and can be heard on the Mean Green Radio Network.