Box Score
DENTON, Texas (2/20/10) - The North Texas basketball team used a potent inside out game to run away from UALR, 83-65, on Saturday afternoon to pick up the squad's sixth straight victory.
The Mean Green (19-8, 11-5) is now just one win away from its fourth straight 20-win season after taking down the Trojans (7-20, 3-13 Sun Belt). NT came into the game tied for the Sun Belt's best record, and has two regular season games remaining.
Collin Mangrum set the tone for the Mean Green in the first half with a four-pack of 3-pointers that opened up the lane. Big men George Odufuwa and Eric Tramiel worked the paint for 14 and 11 point respectively, much of which came from Josh White's six assists.
Aside from Mangrum's 12 points and Odufuwa's 14, three other Mean Green players also reached double-figures. White poured in 12 points, along with Eric Tramiel who had 11 and Shannon Shorter who tallied 10.
As a team, North Texas had an effective shooting day, knocking down 54 percent from the floor and 41.2 percent from beyond the arc. Odufuwa didn't miss a shot all night, going 7-of-7 from the floor.
North Texas jumped out to a 4-0 lead thanks to Odufuwa's layup and a pair of White free throws. The Mean Green leads the nation in free throws made per game with over 20 per game.
With the game tied at eight apiece, the North Texas "Reinforcement Line" came in and brought a jolt of energy to the game and the crowd of 4,672. Alzee Williams spurred a fast break layup and Collin Mangrum nailed a 3-pointer to give NT a five-point lead.
Along with Williams and Mangrum, Antwone Matlock, Jacob Holmen and Cameron Spencer make up the Reinforcement Line, which brings five fresh Mean Green players into the game at once. The line scored 11 points in just five minutes in the first half.
Mangrum stayed on to hit four of his first five 3-point attempts to spur an explosion just before half time. NT outscored the Trojans 19-6 to go into the break up 44-31.
North Texas returns to action on Thursday against Louisiana-Lafayette. Tip off from the Super Pit is slated for 7 p.m.
