University of North Texas Athletics
Arkansas State Edges Past Mean Green, 68-65
1/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
DENTON (1/18/03) -- North Texas senior forward Jermaine Green notched his fifth career double-double, but it wasn't enough as the Mean Green suffered a 68-65 setback to Arkansas State in Sun Belt Conference play at the Super Pit on Saturday night.
Green dropped in a game-high 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to register his third double-double performance of the season and fifth of his North Texas career. He connected on six of 14 field goals, including both three-pointers he attempted, and was six-of-eight at the free throw line.
Green was one of three Mean Green players in double figures. Senior guard Chris Davis finfished with 15 points before fouling out and senior guard Lee Green contributed 10.
For the Mean Green, it was their third consecutive close loss and drops them to 6-10 overall and 1-3 in Sun Belt play. The victory was the first in conference play for the Indians, now 7-9 and 1-3.
The two teams battled closely throughout the first half, with the Mean Green holding a 13-12 edge midway through the period. Then Arkansas State gained controlled and steadily build an 11-point lead by halftime, 42-31.
North Texas whittled the margin down and tied the game at 51-51 eight minutes into the second half, but ASU regained the lead on its next possession and never lost it. A three-pointer by Green with four seconds left pulled the Mean Green to within two at 67-65, but the Indians' Antonio Rambo was quickly fouled after the inbounds pass and hit one of his two free throws to widen the gap to the final 68-65 margin.
The Mean Green hit the road this week for two Sun Belt Conference games, including Thursday at New Orleans and Saturday at South Alabama.
