North Texas took on an undermanned Grambling (0-8) team at The Super Pit and when it was over HC Johnny Jones’ crew came away with a big 82-40 win to improve to 6-5. They’ve won four in a row and five of the last six. North Texas led from start to finish.

Chris Jones was the leading scorer pouring in 20 points, hitting 7 of 11 from the field, had four steals and five assists.  Jordan Williams had 15 points, Roger Franklin coming in off the bench had 14 points including four of four from the line. Mitchell fouled out with ten points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Kedrick Hogans had eight points and a couple of crowd pleasing dunks. Alzee Williams and Alonzo Edwards both had two.  

HC Jones felt his team got off to a slow start during the first half “I didn’t think we were as good as we needed to be from the start” and played into Grambling’s hand. The defense did not control the intensity and they did not execute on a high level on the offense. In order to get something going “we tried to press to change the tempo.”  

The second half the team played better “and created some fast break opportunities” and it made all the difference for North Texas.

Even though Chris Jones played 25 minutes “look how effective he was.”  The coach stated Jones has poise under pressure, “makes excellent plays, excellent reads.”  He actually created opportunities for other players on the floor.

Roger Franklin came off the bench and “got off some quick shots and didn’t allow them to come to him.” However, the second half “he was excellent and took what came to him.” He was aggressive on the glass, knocked down some nice 15 footers and he is “really capable and coming into his own.”

Coach Jones said Mitchell is going to take a few games to get into the rhythm of the game “and the pace he needs to play.” Mitchell fouled out and the coach stated he gets frustrated when things don’t come his way and that is something he has to work on. He can’t “put that undo pressure on himself” and the coach told him that at halftime. He has to play as well and as hard as he can but he can’t be superman. He can’t put everything on his shoulders.   

Even though J. Williams had 15 points, Jones said he doesn’t worry him scoring points because it is something he can do.  What they want out of him is to “keep that intensity on the defensive end of the floor.”  He did that and fans could see “he was really exhausted at the end of the game.” He dove after balls, deflected passes and if he “continues to do that and lose himself on the defensive side of the floor” the offensive part will be easy for him.

Next up a home game against LSU.