North Texas (6-9, 1-3) 76, Troy (5-10, 0-4) 59
January 3, 2013, 7 p.m.
The Super Pit, Denton, Texas
Up next: North Texas continues Sun Belt Conference play when it hosts the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks Saturday night, January 5, at the Super Pit. Game time is 7 p.m.
Tony Mitchell had 16 points in the first half Thursday, which was his halftime high for the season and within one point of his career halftime high. Mitchell had 17 points in a game against Denver a year ago.
Thursday's game was the first start of the season for freshman guard P.J. Hardwick and senior forward Justin Patton.
In the past two years, Troy opened league play 0-3 before winning its fourth Sun Belt game.
North Texas senior Niko Stojiljkovic matched his season high in points in a game, and he had them by halftime Thursday. Niko had his strongest start of the year with six points, two rebounds, a steal and an assist. He also drew a charging foul in the opening half.
Mitchell had his fifth double-double of the season with 29 points and 15 rebounds, along with four blocked shots. He now has 109 career blocks and is 10 blocks away from the school record held by Jeffrey Simpson.
