Box Score
DENTON (11/25/06) The Mean Green pulled away in the second half to pick up its third win in a row by defeating Texas State, 95-77 at the Super Pit.
North Texas pushed its record to 5-1 with the win, the best start since beginning 5-1 in 1994-95.
“We are happy to be 5-1,” head coach Johnny Jones said. “The most impressive thing about our start is that it has come against quality opponents. We have beaten UNC-Charlotte and Rice on the road and faced a tough Tulsa team the other night and of course tonight we faced a very good team in Texas State.”
The Mean Green came out hot with an 11-2 run to begin the game; however, Texas State (1-4) knocked down five three-pointers to pull itself back into the game and knot the game 40-40 at the half.
After halftime, though, was when NT stepped up the defensive pressure. The Mean Green held Texas State to only 38 percent shooting in the second half, including only 27 percent from three-point distance.
After a Bobcat bucket to start the half, the Mean Green reeled off a 17-2 run to build the lead it would not relinquish. NT finished the game shooting 54 percent, its highest field goal percentage in 25 games.
Michael Sturns continued to provide a spark off the bench as he dropped in a game-high 17 points and five rebounds. Keith Wooden (15), Harold Stewart (14), Rich Young (12) and Quincy Williams (10) all hit double figures as well.
“This is the type of post play we have been looking for all season,” Jones said. “Keith Wooden put together an overall good game as did Harold Stewart. I thought Harold Edwards came in and gave us some quality minutes and Quincy Williams has been steady all season.”
Calvin Watson was held in check by the Texas State defense, as the senior only dropped in five points on the night. It was the first time in 12 games that Watson has failed to register double figures.
The Mean Green will close out the month of November with a road contest at Nebraska on Wednesday.
