University of North Texas Athletics
Elusive UT Arlington Next Up For Mean Green Basketball
11/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
DENTON, Texas (11/18/09) - The last three years have seen the North Texas basketball program take impressive steps toward national prominence. Three seasons of at least 20 wins, a trip to the NCAA Tournament as well as big wins at home and on the road. The only thing that has escaped NT are the Mavericks of UT Arlington.
Billed by MidMajority.com as the Game of the Night, North Texas and UT Arlington are set to tangle at Texas Hall tonight at 7 p.m. Click here to listen live!
Through all of the success, UTA has emerged with the upper hand in each of the last five meetings with the Mean Green, including the last three seasons. Despite holding a 28-21 edge in the all-time series, the last North Texas win came back in 1995 when the two teams were Southland Conference foes.
Last year, Anthony Vereen's 19 points powered the Mavericks. The year before - a trouncing on the Stage. In '06-07, a "buzzer-beater" by Jermaine Griffin downed NT, 83-81.
This year, the Mean Green is determined to buck the trend with tough perimeter defense. Five North Texas guards check in at 6-foot-4 or taller, including Collin Mangrum, who will get to see his first action against UTA. Despite being a junior, injuries have kept the Howe, Texas native from seeing the court against the Mavericks in each of the last three years.
Finally healthy, Mangrum is excited to bring his brand of hard-nosed defense to Texas Hall. Mangrum poured in nine points in the season opener against Cameron.
On Tap For Mean Green Hoops
- North Texas picked up the 1,000th win in program history with an 80-62 season opening victory over Cameron. Head coach Johnny Jones improved to 9-0 in season openers, and looks to ready his squad for cross-town rival UT Arlington. North Texas and UT Arlington share a rivalry that dates back to 1925-26.
- George Odufuwa hauled in 24 rebounds in the 80-62 win over Cameron, a performance that ranks fourth in North Texas history. Odufuwa is just the ninth player in the NCAA since 2005-06 to register 24 or more rebounds.
- North Texas was tabbed as the favorite in the Sun Belt West Division in every major preseason publication, as well as the league's coaches in the SBC's annual Preseason Poll. Eric Tramiel and Josh White were named to the Preseason All-SBC squads.
- Tip off between the Mean Green and UTA is slated for 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Texas Hall. This will likely be the final meeting between North Texas and UTA in Texas Hall. The Mavericks are currently constructing a new on-campus arena.
