NEW ORLEANS vs. NORTH TEXAS
Thursday, February 12, 2009 / The Super Pit
GAME NOTES / QUOTES
Eric Tramiel poured in a team-leading 20 points to lead four Mean Green players in double figures. It marked the third time this season he’s scored 20 or more points. His double-figure effort was his 15th of the season and seventh consecutive game in which he’s reached double figures.
Tramiel was particularly successful from the free throw line, connecting on 10-of-12 (83%) to go along with 5-of-7 shooting from the floor. Both the 10 made free throws and the 12 attempts were season/career highs for the transfer junior.
Tramiel was also the Mean Green’s leader on the board, pulling down nine rebounds. He fell one rebound shy of a double-double for the seventh time this season when he fouled out with 1:41 left in the game.
Collin Dennis was once again effective off the bench by contributing 17 points to the Mean Green victory. Dennis was perfect from three-point range, hitting 3-of-3 attempts from behind the arc.
It was a break-out game for Dennis, scoring in double figures for the first time in his last five games. His 17-point performance marked his ninth double-figure outing this season.
Tristan Thompson ended with 13 points, marking his 14th double-figure game this season.
Dominique Johnson was the other UNT player to score in double digits, finishing with 11 points. He connected on 6-of-6 from the free throw line, marking the ninth time this season he’s shot 1.000 at the line.
Kendrick Hogans scored all his points at the free throw line, connecting on 4-of-4 for the night to mark the seventh time this season he’s been perfect at the line in a game. In three of his last four games he’s been perfect at the line, going a combined 10-of-11 during those four games.
Dominique Johnson dished out six assists, one shy of matching his career high which he set in the Mean Green last game last weekend against Louisiana-Lafayette (2-7-09).
George Odufuwa and Josh White each finished with two steals. For Odufuwa, he now has grabbed two steals in each of the Mean Green’s last two outings.
The North Texas victory was just the team’s fourth in 11 games against the Privateers at the Super Pit. UNO still owns a sizeable lead in the overall series, 14-7.
Head Coach Johnny Jones Quotes
“As expected this was another hard fought game against a very good University of New Orleans team. I thought both teams got off to sluggish starts before getting into a rhythm around the middle portion of the first half. We were able to make shots and build a lead before Collin Dennis’ three pointer to close out the half gave us a huge momentum lift.”
“I advised the guys at halftime that although we had a sizeable lead, UNO would not quit. We knew they would make a run at some point in the second half and they did. They were able to connect on some tough, well-defended shots in the second half. We, on the hand, were able to maintain our composure and close out the game hitting 10 consecutive free throws .
On Eric Tramiel and Collin Dennis
“Eric turned in another solid performance in the low post scoring 20 points and just missing a double-double with nine rebounds. I thought Collin probably played one of his best overall games for us tonight.”
On bench scoring
“Our bench came through with 25 points tonight, but they have been solid all season. Several guys on our bench could likely start on other teams. We are very comfortable inserting any of our bench guys into the game.”
On four players scoring in double figures
“We like the balanced scoring. This makes team have to focus on everybody rather than double and triple team one player. Our post players have been scoring the ball well in the paint and when needed they have passed the ball out to our perimeter players for open looks. “
