Box Score
Notes & Quotes
DENTON, Texas (11/26/08) Collin Dennis hit a pair of free throws in the final 33 seconds to fend off a feisty Jackson State squad, 84-82, at the Super Pit on Wednesday night.
The Mean Green (4-1) led by as many as 12 in the first half, but the Tigers (0-4) rallied to make a game out of it down the stretch. Dominique Johnson’s 17 points paced the Mean Green, who opens the year at 4-1 for a third straight season.
“I am excited about our start this year,” said North Texas head coach Johnny Jones, who’s team won at Sam Houston State and Indiana State last week. “This is one of the tougher starts we have ever had, but it has been good for us to determine what kind of basketball team we are. I’m excited about seeing our guys making plays.”
Several players stepped up to make big plays against the preseason Southwestern Conference favorites. George Odufuwa hauled in a game-high 12 boards, which gives him four straight games with double-figure rebounds. The sophomore leads the Sun Belt Conference with a 10.6 rebound per game average.
On top of the late free throws, Dennis was electric in tallying 15 points, a season high for the senior. He connected on 5-of-9 from the field and 4-of-6 from the charity stripe, and had the look of a go-to player in a breakout performance.
Dennis nailed four free throws in the final 1:11, and was in on the game-clinching defensive play on the baseline. The North Richland Hills, Texas, native forced an awkward shot and came away with the rebound before being fouled on a break away.
Josh White only netted eight points, but managed a career-high seven assists. The freshman missed his first free throw since the season opener against Cameron, snapping a streak of 21 straight makes.
North Texas takes a 2-1 advantage in the all-time series with the Tigers, but all three outings have now been decided by three points or less. Wednesday’s action was no different, as the game featured 14 lead changes and 16 ties. In the end, a 36-21 edge in bench scoring and a 40-14 advantage in free throws attempted secured the game for NT.
The Mean Green returns to action on Saturday at Houston. Originally scheduled for 7 p.m., the tip time versus the Cougars has been moved back to 8 p.m. and can be heard on the Mean Green Radio Network.
