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North Texas (3-0) played its first Div. I opponent, the Portland Pilots (1-2), and grinded out a win 78-73. This was the most difficult opponent the Mean Green have faced in this young season and the team responded well despite some foul trouble hitting Umoja Gibson and Zach Simmons.
Despite foul trouble through much of the game, sophomore Zach Simmons posted a career best 23 points. He was 10 of 12 (83.3%!) from the floor and made all three of his free throws on 27 minutes of action giving him .85 points per minute. He also picked up six rebounds, an assist, and a block despite finishing the game with four fouls.
Ryan Woolridge also posted one of his best games contributing 22 points, where he finished eight of 12 (66.7%) from the floor, made both of his two 3-pointers, and was four of six (66.7%) from the free throw line. He also added seven rebounds, one block, a steal, and was two assists short of a double-double on 37 minutes of play-time.
Fun fact: The last time North Texas lost a game was against San Francisco on March 26th 72-62, which means the Mean Green are on a five game win streak.
| Scores by Period | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 30 | 43 | 73 |
| North Texas | 39 | 39 | 78 |
Up next for the Mean Green is Hawaii tonight at 10:00 PM CT for the final game of the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic. Both programs are 2-0 and are looking for the sweep. Hawaii (2-0) has defeated Portland 82-64 and Humboldt State 90-54, so North Texas will have its hands full with the Rainbow Warriors. This team appears to be ready and will need all its players to play to their ability. This should be a fun game to follow as both teams appear to be evenly matched (NT is favored by 1 at the moment). This will be a good measuring stick for the team early on in the season, especially with a trip to Norman Oklahoma at the end of November.
Conference USA Action
Saturday Nov. 10th
Oklahoma State 64
Charlotte 66
Here is the winning shot that put the 49ers of the OSU Cowboys:
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1061437397211246592
UT Martin 71
Western Kentucky 86