University of North Texas Athletics
North Texas vs Louisiana-Lafayette Notes & Quotes
2/25/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Thursday, February 25, 2010 / The Super Pit
GAME NOTES / QUOTES
- The win guarantees North Texas at least a share of the Sun Belt Conference's West Division title.
- With the victory, North Texas claimed an unprecedented fourth consecutive 20-win season. The win over the Ragin Cajuns improved the Mean Green to a 20-8 overall record.
- The Mean Green have now won seven straight games, the longest winning streak under head coach Johnny Jones (2001-present) and the program's longest winning streak since the 1991-92 season when UNT won eight straight. The Mean Green has won 11 of its last 13 games.
- Junior guard Tristan Thompson led four Mean Green players in double figures with 16 points off an outstanding night both from the floor and at the free throw line. He connected on 6-of-8 field goals and was a perfect 4-of-4 at the foul line. It marked his 20th game this season to score in double digits.
- Junior forward George Odufuwa came up huge with his 11th double-double performance this season. He finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds to record his 13th career double-double effort in a Mean Green uniform. He is one of just 23 players nationwide to average a double-double this season.
- Odufuwa's 11 rebounds give him 287 career boards and move him into a share of sixth place all-time at UNT with Melvin Davis (1976-77).
- Junior guard Josh White scored 14 points, marking the 23rd game this season he's produced in double figures. White shot 5-of-10 from the floor, but connected on all three of the Mean Green's three-pointers.
- White continues to moves up in several categories in the North Texas record book. His 14 points give him 1,180 career points which move him into the No. 12 spot all-time. His three made three-pointers give him 138 for his career and he now stands No. 6 in career three-pointers at North Texas.
- Also reaching double figures for the Mean Green was senior forward Eric Tramiel, who finished with 10 points and five rebounds in the game. It was his 19th game this season to contribute double-figure scoring.
- UNT improved to 19-0 this season when either leading or tied at halftime; the Mean Green and Ragin Cajuns were locked up, 23-23, at halftime Thursday.
- North Texas finished with an impressive 12-2 record at home in the Fabulous Super Pit this season. The Mean Green close out the regular season on Saturday at Louisiana-Monroe.
JOHNNY JONES QUOTES
"We knew Lafayette would come out strong. We knew we get their best shot and we did. Defensively they played a diamond to try and take Tristan (Thompson ) out of the mix. We helped them by taking quick early shots. We started to settle down as the game progressed and took advantage of some opportunities that were there for us. Fortunately for us we went into the half tied at 23. We were a much more poised and patient team in the second half and ended up shooting 67 percent from the field while limiting them to 33 percent."
On The Turning Point
"We were able to get back in the game and eventually take the lead with our defense. Our defensive pressure allowed us to open the floor. Our spacing was much better which allowed Josh (White) to get some open looks from deep and Tristan to attack the basket. Our post players were much active around the basket also."
About Josh White
"He is one heckuva ball player. He is playing at 100 percent this year after being injured and playing at about 70 percent last year. He makes things happen whether it making the three, attacking the basket or knocking down clutch free throws."
On Fourth Consecutive 20-Win Season
"This is a great accomplishment. I credit the players who have contributed both past and present. I have a great staff and a great administration. All of this combined is what has allowed us to be successful over the past few years. Our team is a very close knit unit. They are interested in winning at all cost. They are unselfish and do not look at the stat sheet to see who has score the most points. They are the epitome of what a TEAM should be.
On The Contract Extension
"We love this university. UNT is a very special place and we just want to build on what we have started and continue to grow and get better. We are extremely thankful to the administration for allowing us this opportunity to be here. We love it here."
On the Fan Involvement
"We wanted to celebrate with our fans. They are our sixth man. They have been great for us all year and we wanted to share with this with them. We have a great fan base and we want them to continue to come out and support us. "
