EAGLETALK.NET

Old Dominion to Join Conference-USA

EagleTalkNet — Sat, 19 May 2012 03:36:03 GMT

Old Dominion is scheduled to join CUSA for conference action in the 2013 season in all sports except football. They will schedule CUSA teams beginning in the 2015 season when they move up from FCS to the FBS.

ODU is returning to CUSA after it left to play in the Atlantic 10. With the addition of ODU, CUSA will now have 14 conference teams.

Early Look at CUSA Line-Up

EagleTalkNet — Wed, 09 May 2012 06:57:51 GMT

With North Texas, along with five other schools, moving to Conference-USA for the 2013 season, here is the projected conference line-up.

The conference will still have two divisions, the west and east, which will still allow a conference title game in football. The conference championship game will be held hosted on the campus by the team with the best overall record or other tie breakers.

Look for Southern Miss, Florida International, Alabama-Birmingham, Marshall, East Carolina, University of North Carolina-Charlotte (called Charlotte) and Old Dominion in the east division.

The west side of the house North Texas will face, Rice, Tulane, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa, University of Texas-San Antonio and the University of Texas-El Paso.

Why the additions of some of the programs? UTSA first game brought in 56,743 fans and they ended up averaging 35,521 for their six home games in their first season. It would be one of the top fan supported team in the new or old CUSA. Television likes that.

Charlotte was a former member of CUSA but left to join the Atlantic 10. They were an all-sports member but did not have a football team. They are expected to play FBS in 2015. Their basketball team was always near the top of the conference. They have a extremely large television market.

Another former CUSA member was Old Dominion. Like Charlotte they did not field a football team but now have one playing in the CAA. ODU women's basketball has three national basketball titles and the men's team is always competitive. They are in the larger Norfolk, Va. market and they give exposure to the nation through the Navy personnel stationed there. They still have not announced if they are going to join CUSA.

Florida International brings attention to the Florida market and particularly the huge Miami market.

These three schools provide traveling partners to Marshall, ECU and UAB.

North Texas is in the Dallas market and improved their facilities showing they want to be one of the big boys.

Louisiana Tech is close to most of the schools in the east and west allowing fans to travel. They do not fit in the CUSA footprint which are schools located in large television markets.

If you are looking to interact with CUSA fans here is one of their boards; CUSA NCAABBS

Look for CUSA to expand from the new 14 teams to 16 teams in the future. When they expand, look for schools which fit into the CUSA footprint. The conference is television revenue driven which is why Eagletalk.net has stated for months North Texas was going to be added to CUSA. If the schools are not what the television people want, it will be hard for them to get in.

With the addition of the new teams to CUSA and the two going to the Mountain West, the merger between the two conferences has diminished although there are still on-going discussions.

The two conferences have a good working relationship as evident by the former partnership with the Liberty Bowl where it was the CUSA Champion versus the MWC Champion. CUSA went 4-2 against MWC although they went 6-2 overall against the MWC or its replacement. Two times the MWC Champion went to a BCS bowl and were replaced by a WAC team which CUSA beat.

They two wild card teams in the conference are Southern Miss and Tulane. Both sit closer to the teams in the western side of the house but teams are needed in the eastern side. So it is projected they will stay in the side of the conference they are now in.

The first two years football scheduling will be interesting since Charlotte will not have a football team until 2015. ODU still has not announced the move to CUSA or moving up to the FBS level. They are concerned about traveling and other expenses. Look for the decision to be made around May 15th.

IT's Official North Texas to CUSA

EagleTalkNet — Sat, 05 May 2012 02:55:04 GMT

As expected for sometime North Texas will be leaving the Sun Belt Conference to move up the Conference-USA. The last time CUSA looked at North Texas it was not a very appealing situation with the old Fouts Field anchoring the sports programs. With Rick Villarreal at the helm he convinced North Texas students to agree to higher tuition fees in order to fund the Athletic Department and build the new Apogee Stadium now the crown jewel of North Texas Sports.

This time when CUSA looked at North Texas they found a school with new facilities in almost every sport. There was a solid title IX program was in place. There was a men’s basketball program that was on the verge every year of making the NCAA Tournament.

The only thing North Texas did not have was a baseball team which has been a concern for CUSA because there are not enough schools with baseball programs causing scheduling concerns. So much so Dallas Baptist was considered to become a CUSA member for baseball only. However, there are rumors North Texas is considering the addition of baseball.

When this all shakes out, the new conference will generate more money for North Texas. There will be better teams with better fan base to help attendance. There will be more opportunities to get into high profile bowls every year. CUSA offers more television exposure, not only for the CUSA footprint but because of the television, radio and newspaper market coming from the eastern schools. This is a huge exposure that can’t be bought.

The CUSA footprint is to have schools in major television markets, which is why North Texas, Florida International, the University of San Antonio and Charlotte were added. Coming along for the ride will be Louisiana Tech.

What else in store for North Texas is the possibility of future games with schools closer to home and out West. CUSA and the Mountain West are still in formation of a possible 24 team super conference. One sticking point is NCAA rules concerning the amount of games a college football program can play.

The Sun Belt has been good for North Texas allowing Villarreal to build competitive programs but it had its limitations, a lot of those limitations are gone.

One weak area for CUSA has been basketball, they are basically a two bid conference while the Sun Belt garners one bid. So it still is a step up for North Texas’ opportunities to make the big dance.

North Texas fans will now be able to travel to more away games. Four schools, Rice, UTSA, Tulsa and LaTech are within the four to five hour drive window, this will help in recruiting not just for playing teams nearby but for a kicker.

One reason some recruits choose a college is how close the school is so family can see him play. They want to know what teams on the road they will be playing to see if family and friends can see him play on the road.

A recruit wants to play for a team in a good or well known conference. CUSA gives a recruit and the coaches more ammunition for the player to wear green. Here is kicker. North Texas will now be on the airwaves in Tulsa, San Antonio, Tulane, Houston and Ruston. All are nearby where recruits can hear the game on the radio. If family and friends can’t make a game they do have a shot at listening to the game on air. It will help North Texas in getting better recruits.

This is a big day for North Texas and for the fans.

North Texas is Heading To CUSA

EagleTalkNet — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:10:44 GMT

North Texas will be heading to Conference-USA to replace Southern Methodist.

North Texas Athletic Director Rick Villarreal's effort to improve North Texas facilities to make it more attractive to a better conference then the Sun Belt has been rewarded. The announcement is expected to be official this coming Friday.

The conference move will mean more revenue for the program but more importantly better national exposure on the college football scene.

It's Official Jones to LSU

EagleTalkNet — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 03:52:02 GMT

For some it was a foregone conclusion, North Texas Head Basketball Coach Johnny Jones was and has been the right man for the top slot at LSU. On Friday afternoon, Jones was announced as the choice to take over the Tiger program. Now, North Texas Athletic Director Rick Villarreal will have to go on a hunting trip to replace Jones.

Jones will have a challenge facing him with only eight players to be on the team when he arrived in Baton Rouge. Jones has stated "I look forward to the challenges ahead.

"This is certainly a dream come true to return to a place that has so many memories for me." Jones has a total of 27 years associated with LSU from playing days to coaching during LSU's heydays under former Head Coach Dale Brown. One final four as a player and one as a coach.

Jones will leave a North Texas program with young and talented players in the stable including projected NBA player Tony Mitchell. Whoever Villarreal hires will not inherit a program with bare cupboards but a program that has a legit shot at winning the Sun Belt Conference Title and the Sun Belt Conference Tournament Title and the NCAA automatic bid.

LSU Confirms Interview with Jones

EagleTalkNet — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:16:51 GMT

LSU has confirmed he has spoken with North Texas Head Basketball Coach Johnny Jones concerning the open Tiger head coaching position. Athletic Director Joe Alleva interviewed Jones but is also considering New Mexico State's Reggie Theus, Harvard's Tommy Amaker, Pittsburg's Jamie Dixon and some other sources claim Baylor's Scott Drew.

Alleva denied reports he has spoken with Dixon about the position and has stated Amaker is not interested in the job.

Dale Brown, the former LSU great head basketball endorses either Jones or Drew. Jones played for Brown from 1980-1984 helping his team to the 1981 Final Four. After completing his four years playing time, Brown hired Jones as an assistant coach where he helped coach the team back to the Final Four in 1986.

Drew's father, Homer Drew, served as an assistant coach under Brown from 1972-1976. Drew took over the Bear's murder-scandal program in 2003 taking the program to one win away from the Final Four in 2010 and 2012. He is considered one of the hottest coaches in the nation but he may now come with some baggage.

ESPN broke a story that Drew and several assistants broke NCAA rules by supposedly making several hundred text and phones considered improper by the NCAA which resulted in Baylor getting three years probation, forfeiting one scholarship and Drew being suspended for two Big 12 Conference games next year. The Baylor Women's program was also put on three years probation for the same violations.

Brown has stated "when you look at where Baylor was, what Scott Drew did at Baylor is as big an accomplishment as building the Panama Canal."

However, Brown has also said when Alleva stated what he was looking for in a head coach, "That's Johnny." Brown pointed out "Johnny can do this job. Johnny grew up in Louisiana. He knows Louisiana. He knows LSU. He knows the SEC. He can coach. He can recruit. This is a unique place. He knows the culture."

As for either coach taking over the program, Brown feels Drew is happy at Baylor and making close to $2 million dollars a year. Which would be an expensive hire for LSU. Jones on the other hand is making around $200,000 a year making him a less expensive hire.

It is also reported Jones contract buyout is $400,000 but only $200,000 for a SEC school.

Jones is not without his detractors as seen in this story. LSU's Good Ole Boy Politics Returning With A Vengeance In Basketball Coach Search

North Texas Athletic Director Rick Villarreal knew he could not keep Jones forever with the success he has had building the program and the salary North Texas could afford. Villarreal knows it is one of the hazards being in Sun Belt Conference. Once your coach is successful, schools in bigger conferences with more money will be hiring his coaches away.

Villarreal is looking for a new woman's head coach and looks like he maybe looking for a new men's basketball coach.

Mitchell Makes Right Decision

EagleTalkNet — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:28:51 GMT

There is no question that Tony Mitchell is a NBA prospect. North Texas Head Basketball Coach Johnny Jones has stated that many times. The NBA scouts, sometimes announced over 20 at a North Texas games proves the NBA thinks so too. Heck, even kids are asking for his autograph to prove they watched him play in college.

Over the course of the season, Jones, using his words carefully has eluded to the fact, it would be best for Mitchell to stay another year at North Texas to hone his skills. Mitchell has stated he will not go for the draft and stay in school, the right choice for several reasons.

First and foremost, he will get better. Second, the better he gets the more he will move up in the draft. Third, most second, third, etc. draft picks do not make it in the NBA, the goal is to be in the first round. Fourth, the more he moves up in the draft the more money he will make.

Okay, North Texas fans want him back because of the prospect of the players returning with him and the ones coming in. It looks like a run toward the NCAA Tournament.

Bottomline, Mitchell made the right decision for him and not for the fans. However, North Texas fans need to enjoy the ride next season and get their tickets early because this is going to be one special season.

Offense Gets Early Jump, Defense Battles Back

EagleTalkNet — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:01:44 GMT

The enthusiasm could be felt in the morning light as North Texas Football began the 2012 season on Saturday morning. New Defensive Coordinator John Skladany’s new defensive scheme was not what was expected. Normally, the defense is way ahead of the offensive going into spring practice. However, the offense poured through the defense for two quick scores, not what the new DC wanted to see.

It answered the big question for most North Texas Fans is who would replace running back Lance Dunbar and back James Hamilton? While most fans felt Dunbar was the offense for the last several years, moving the ball early showed the offense they have more weapons this year at various positions then in the past. It also gave them into a glimpse the running back position will be in fine hands.

Derek Thompson was a little rusty but that is to be expected at this point, but ran the offense well.

As the offense was having their way with the defense, Skladany’s crew started to get things together. As the defense started to get comfortable with the new scheme, they started to stop the offensive onslaught, forced turnovers, errors, stops and turned the tide on the offense.

All in all, it was a good first outing for North Texas. Next scrimmage the cream of the team will start to rise and players will start getting their names penciled in for their slot on the depth chart.

Next week practices will be critical for players on both sides of the ball. The Spring Game just a short couple of weeks away on Saturday April 21. It will not be long the incoming freshmen will be on campus and then open day at LSU.

Jones Near Top for LSU Gig

EagleTalkNet — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 04:25:12 GMT

After TCU apparently got LSU's Head Basketball Coach Trent Johnson to take over the Horned Frog program, the Tigers are on the prowl for a replacement. Several sources believe that North Texas' Johnny Jones is the leading candidate for the job.

As a player for LSU from 1980-1984, he played as a freshman on the 1981 Tiger Final Four team. After his playing career, he was immediately hired by then HC Dale Brown in 1984 as an assistant coach for 12 seasons. Jones helped coach the Tigers back to the 1986 NCAA Final Four.

In 1997 he was hired as an assistant coach by Memphis. He was elevated to top position as interim head coach in 1999-2000 after then HC Tic Price was forced to resign. Jones led Memphis to a 15-16 record. He then moved on to Alabama as an assistant coach from 2000-2001before taking over the North Texas position in 2001.

He has coached North Texas to two Sun Belt Tournament Championships, 2007 and 2010, resulting in two NCAA Tournament Bids where he is 0-2. He sports a overall 205-162.

Jones has been mentioned before for the top slot at LSU but the Tigers elected to go elsewhere. Background noise about Jones was the concern about him being accused of NCAA violations by Lester Earl. He was cleared of cash payment claims but did have some some minor contact outside of the NCAA rules. With a clean record since then, he looks to be in the top spot with the LSU fans.

Johnson could not parley his recruiting classes into wins. His first season he went 27-8 and the NCAA Tournament. Since then he has guided LSU to an 11-20 and 11-21 seasons before rebounding this year going 18-15 getting a NIT Bid. LSU has only won 12 conference games in the last four years under Johnson and the Tigers fans were becoming restless. He looked to be a sure bet after being hired away from Stanford after he built a powerhouse program that was becoming a regular in the NCAA Tournament.

LSU is looking thin with only eight signed players on the roster. It appears recruiting was the problem for Johnson and speculation is LSU will have to go to the junior college ranks to get some help. Different recruiting sites projected LSU did have two good recruiting classes in the last several years but wins did not come.

Several players have left the LSU program for several reasons including moving on to the NBA.

If Jones gets the position he will be in for a rebuilding project at LSU. He would leave behind a North Texas team that has a great shot at getting back to the NCAA Tournament.

Football Season Begins Weds

EagleTalkNet — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 05:44:59 GMT

North Texas Football will begin Spring Practice March 29th for the second season under Head Coach Dan McCarney. McCarney is ready to begin the new season after recovering from a stroke. From all reports, he is well on his way to being the back in form waiting for his first practice.

Thoughts from..........

EagleTalkNet — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 04:39:35 GMT

As the NCAA Tournament goes on and Western Kentucky carries the Sun Belt banner the nation once again views the conference as a joke.

Congratulations to the lady wearing the North Texas T-Shirt at Sea World.

More to come

North Texas Punches Ticket Home

EagleTalkNet — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:42:05 GMT

North Texas Basketball punched their ticket home as they lose the chance to earn the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament when they blew a 13 point lead and lose to Western Kentucky 70-74.

There is no Tomorrow

EagleTalkNet — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:41:53 GMT

Western Kentucky heads into the Championship game against North Texas after they dumped departing member Denver 67-63 in their semi-final contest in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. Denver ended the year 22-9, 11-6. The 22 wins are the most their history but it probably will not be enough for them to earn an at large spot in the NCAA Tournament. They will be able to carry that history into their new conference, the WAC.

Western Kentucky (12-18, 8-9) will face North Texas in the SBC Championship Game and the right to earn a ticket to the NCAA Tournament. The Hilltoppers started the season, 5-11, 1-2 before their head coach was replaced by Ray Harper. With Harper at the helm WKU has gone 9-7 including big wins late in the season and the SBC Tournament.

They are on a roll winning the last six of their seven games beating Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, Middle Tennessee, Florida International, University of Arkansas-Little Rock and Denver. They have won five in a row. Their only lost during the period was against South Alabama which was between the FAU and ASU game.

This is a completely different team when North Texas last defeated them in Denton 84-67 on Jan 12^th. When WKU made the trip to North Texas it was the second game under then Interim Head Coach Harper. Since that game, point guard Jamal Crook has improved his assist total a full three assists per game and has scored ten or more points in the last several games. Considering he only has one double digit scoring game in the last two seasons shows how he has improved under Harper.

North Texas is also a different team since the last meeting between the teams. An overall 64% shooting buried WKU but gone from that team are two of the top three scorers Chris Jones and Jordan Williams because of grades. Williams had 16 points in the contest while Jones had nine. The loss of the two shooters has caused problems for North Texas' starting rotation and weaken their bench. While other players have stepped up to fill some voids, when the starters get into trouble, it opens up North Texas to big runs by opponents.

Like North Texas, WKU is using freshmen to get the job done.

The big difference for WKU is Harper has the team believing in themselves and are now completing games. Harper said he believed his team “did not know how to finish in close games” but under his tutelage they are completing games. Before heading to Hot Springs and the SBC Tournament he stated “I think I have a team that believes that they can go to Hot Springs and win.”

The Hilltoppers have proven they believe they can win by beating two of the top teams in the tournament and firmly believe North Texas is next.

For both teams, there is no tomorrow.

Up Next Championship Game and NCAA Bid

EagleTalkNet — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:00:37 GMT

North Texas took to the court against Arkansas State as the home team and it looked like North Texas was going to have an easy game of it in the first half as they went up by ten points, 21-11, with 11:53 left in the first half and eventually extended it to twelve. The big lead was a result of the hot hand of Jacob Holmen who made it rain threes inside The Summit. However, North Texas this year seemed to blow big leads and it was no different in this game. They started to cool off slowly and ASU was able to close the gap to 38-34 before the half.

In the second half, North Texas started to work in a brick factory as all they put up was bricks, nothing seemed to fall which allowed ASU to take the lead with about 16 minutes left in the game. At this point, the two teams went back and forth taking the lead and the winner was not decided until there were about 2.4 seconds left in the game. North Texas threw the ball in which was tied up by ASU but the possession arrow in favor of North Texas. On the next throw in Williams was fouled and put one of two free throws in making the final score 76-72.

North Texas moves on to the Sun Belt Championship game for the third time in a row and will face the winner of the Denver-Western Kentucky tilt on Tuesday evening.

The concern was if Mitchell would get into foul trouble. He did in the second half and he was not alone as Roger Franklin ran up his foul total to match Mitchell's at four so both got to see the game from the bench.

Mitchell got to see a lot of double teaming, but was able to get the ball out to the open man however, North Texas was not able to take advantage of the four on three situations.

The game started off right as Tony Mitchell got the tip-off to Alzee Williams who eventually put in the first two points of the game and giving North Texas a 2-0 lead. Jacob Holmen added to the lead on a seventeen footer before ASU got their first two points of the game. At 15:09 media timeout North Texas was up 10-9.

Franklin in a fast transition put North Texas up 12-9. Holman hit three threes in a row to put North Texas up by ten 21-11. With about 12 minutes left in the first half, Mitchell was called for his first foul. About the same time Walton went to the floor in agony with a right shoulder injury forcing a timeout at the 11:53 mark with North Texas up 21-11.

Holmen hit a two giving him 13 points and putting North Texas back up by ten 23-13. When ASU answered and it looked like they might start a run by putting in two baskets in a row but it was stopped when Mitchell swatted the ball out of lane and Kedrick Hogans got his first two points at the other end of the court to keep North Texas' lead at ten. Niko Stojiljkovic played his best Walton impression taking a charge from ASU's big man. He followed that up with a basket and gave North Texas a 27-15 lead at 7:30 timeout.

Mitchell on his next block sent the ball down the court to the delight of the North Texas fans. ASU managed to hit a three but Tyler Hall answered with a three of his own. Mitchell got another block but ASU whittled the lead to five and was about to cut it to three when Mitchell knocked another ball away from the basket. Williams caught the fast ball from Mitchell to put North Texas up 32-23. ASU cut the lead down to six, 32-26 at the 3:15 timeout.

After a traveling call on ASU, Mitchell made them pay by hitting a long three. Walton, overcoming his shoulder injury, came back into the game with just over two minutes left in the half. ASU cut the lead to four but Holman's three put North Texas back up by seven. With 20 seconds left in the half ASU cut the lead back to four for a half-time score of 38-34.

The second half opened with ASU with the ball and going for the basket, Mitchell sent the ball into the stands. ASU turned the ball over and Mitchell drew the foul at the other end of the court and hit both free throws for the first points of the second half by either team. ASU got their first points of the second half on a goal tending call on Mitchell.

With over 16 minutes left in the game Mitchell picked up his third foul of the game. ASU was able to close to within two then took the lead on a three. At the 15:40 time, ASU was up 43-42 and Mitchell got called for his fourth foul and headed to the bench.

Walton drew a charge for the turnover and at the other end of the court he hit for two giving North Texas a 44-43 lead. ASU took the lead by one before Holman hit his fifth three pointer to give North Texas a two point lead. ASU tied the game at 47 which was answered by Holman hitting for two. ASU tied at 49 but Stojiljkovic answered with a two followed by Walton hitting a three to give North Texas a five point lead at 54-49. ASU hit a three to close to 54-52 at the 11:47 media timeout.

Out of the time-out, Walton again drew a charge to wipeout an ASU dunk. However, ASU was eventually able to tie the game. Franklin wrap around two gave North Texas a 56-54 lead. Franklin was then called for his fourth personal foul and visited Mitchell on the bench. ASU tied the game but Hogans, on an offensive rebound and putback gave North Texas their two point lead back. ASU tied and took the lead by two before Jones called a timeout.

Williams tied the game at 60 but ASU retook the lead, 62-60, at the 5:46 media time.

Once again, Williams tied the game at 62. ASU hit a three to take a three point lead. Mitchell, back in the game, went to the basket but was fouled. After hitting both free throws, North Texas was down by one and ASU called a timeout.

No one scored before the final media time-out with 3:49 left in the game. ASU was holding a slim 65-64 lead.

Coming out of the time-out Walton tried and missed a three but Franklin was there for the offensive rebound and the stick-back to give North Texas a 66-65 lead. ASU took the lead back when Mitchell was called for a goal-tend. Walton's inside layup gave North Texas a one point lead with 1:38 left in the game as ASU called a timeout with the score 68-67.

ASU tried to take the lead but missed and Williams got a defensive rebound with a little over one minute left. ASU was called for a foul to put Mitchell at the charity stripe where he hit both free throws to give North Texas a three point lead. ASU called a timeout with 46 seconds left in the game and the score 70-67.

ASU hit for two, to close to within one and then fouled to put A. Williams at the line with 34 seconds left. He hit both free throws for a North Texas three point lead. Mitchell got the defensive rebound and was immediately fouled. He hit both free throws making it a 74-69 game. North Texas accidentally fouled ASU with 16 seconds left. ASU, at the line for a one on one, missed the first free throw with the rebound snatched by Williams and as expected was immediately fouled. After he hit the first free throw, Jones called a timeout with the score 75-69.

With about 12 seconds left, Williams missed the second free throw allowing ASU to go down the court to hit a three with six seconds left. On the throw-in, ASU was able to get a tie up but the possession arrow pointed to North Texas with 2.4 second left. On the next throw-in Williams was fouled and at the line he hit one free throw for the final score 76-72. ASU did try a long three but unlike last time it failed to go in.

Up next the SBC Championship game and the NCAA bid to the Big Dance.

North Texas One Game Away from Title Game

EagleTalkNet — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:16:52 GMT

Tonight is game three between North Texas (17-13, 9-7) and Arkansas State (14-19, 6-10). The two teams split the regular season with North Texas winning at home 76-64 and ASU winning at home 75-72 on a half-court shot as time expired.

North Texas Head Coach Johnny Jones is expecting a physical type of basketball with ASU banging away at anyone trying to get inside. The man in the middle is #33 Malcoln Kirkland, F, 6-8, 265, Sr. Not only can he play defense he is doing pretty good job on offense. He leads the Sun Belt in field goal percentage hitting 57.2% of his shots and is fifth in offensive rebounds.

This will be the fourth engagement between the two teams in SBC Tournament play. ASU won in 2005 while North Texas won the last two in 2007 and 2008.

For the most part, the starting line-up is Kirkland, Marcus Hooton, Trey Finn, Brandon Peterson and Ed Townsel and they normally play the entire game with all three logging over 31 minutes per game. They are a balanced offensive team with Hooten putting in 12.3 points a game, Kirkland averages 12.1, Finn 11.2, Peterson 9.3 and Townsel puts in 9.2.

They have been in most of their games but fade in the second half. Both teams have overall weak benches but North Texas holds the advantage between the two teams even with the loss of two starters. If this game comes down to the bench winning or losing the game, North Texas will win. If North Texas gets the ASU starters in foul trouble this could be a runaway game. However, ASU plays the game fitted to their style, more of a control game rather then a run and gun and do not generally get into foul trouble where the starters foul out even though they are in the top 25 in nation if fouls.

This should be another close contest. North Texas holds the cards but ASU has emotion on their sides after beating the #1 seed. The Red Wolves are not a team to be taken lightly and if North Texas does, they will find themselves headed back to Denton to watch the NCAA Tournament from the convenience of their homes.

North Texas is one game away from the title game and so is ASU.

Walton Secures North Texas Win

EagleTalkNet — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 03:51:57 GMT

North Texas, considered the visiting team, knew what they had to do to move on to the semi-finals of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament they had to beat a team that beat them twice in the regular season the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. North Texas had to keep Tony Mitchell on the floor and not on the bench in foul trouble.

North Texas Head Basketball Coach Johnny Jones expected a close game against UL-L and felt his team needed to “pay attention to details” to get a win. His team had a couple of days of rest and “a couple of days” of “good practice” and was looking forward to the game. If North Texas could hit the free throws and get the rebounds they could win the game. He was concerned about getting the ball inside because UL-L had a very physical player guarding the paint.

UL-L knew what they had to do to beat North Texas, however, they had to do it two players short. UL-L HC Bob Marlin suspended guard Raymone Andrews and forward J.J. Thomas indefinitely for “conduct detrimental to the team” after verbal problems during the loss at the University of Louisiana-Monroe.

As Jones predicted it was a close game throughout with neither team leading by more than five points. The game was tied 15 times and had 20 lead changes. North Texas did the things they needed to do to get the win.

The Ragun Cajuns wanted to get Mitchell in foul trouble early hoping to have him out of the game forcing the rest of the North Texas team to beat them. They doubled teamed Mitchell which did affect his offensive play forcing him to turn the ball over and to commit other errors. However, Mitchell stayed out of foul trouble getting his first foul in the second half.

There was nothing wrong with Mitchell on the defensive side of the ball. He recorded six blocked shots in the game but none more important than the two he made with less than 2 minutes left in the game. The first block resulted in Alzee Williams tying the game and the second occurred with 44 seconds left keeping UL-L from taking the lead. It eventually allowed Brandan Walton to hit a three with eight seconds left in the game to give North Texas a 65-62 lead. UL-L missed a three point shot at the buzzer to tie the game allowing North Texas to advance to the next round of the SBC Tournament.

“Credit Card” Walton normally known for him taking charges ended up with 16 points but none more dramatic then the three to win the game. A. Williams added in another 14 points, Jacob Holmen had ten and Roger Franklin another ten.

Next up for North Texas is Arkansas State who dumped the #1 seed Middle Tennessee. This will be the third game in the tournament for ASU as beat #8 Florida Atlantic 70-55 and the #1 Blue Raiders 64-61. It will be the second game for North Texas after earning a bye and then beating UL-L.

The two teams dance Monday, March 5^th at 6PM at the Summit.

Win or Go Home

EagleTalkNet — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 03:59:30 GMT

The University of Louisiana-Lafayette are bringing the brooms to Hot Springs, Ark when they face North Texas in Sunday's match-up in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. The Ragin Cajuns dropped North Texas twice this season, winning 64-62 at home and taking a 57-53 win at The Super Pit. Now they are eying the sweep of North Texas in the tournament.

UL-L Head Coach Bob Marlin is not taking stock in the two wins. He points out they won two close games but North Texas' Tony Mitchell, the SBC Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Conference selection was in foul trouble in both games and rode the bench.

Marlin explained it this way, “North Texas has a good team” and “they've got a pro. A first round draft pick, probably, in Tony Mitchell.” UL-L had back up plans for Mitchell in their first two meetings but the coach stated he did not have to use it because “we held him down the first two games” and we “were fortunate he was in foul trouble.”

UL-L has struggled some during the last several games even falling, 60-78, in their last regular season game, at home, to the University of Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks have only won three games this season.

UL-L has given up 50% from the floor four times this season and two times have been in the last several games. In the second half of the UL-M game they gave up 70% from the floor and 75% from the three point line. His team has struggled with guarding opponents and it might be from some players unhappy with playing time.

Not only are they struggling on defense they are struggling at the free throw line and beyond the arc. Marlin stated his team, in the last few games is “6 of 42, maybe, from the three.” They had their worst game at the charity stripe all season against UL-M.

If UL-L continues to struggle in the North Texas game “it will be our last game.”

Marlin feels his team has been up and down. They did not play with any conviction against the Warhawks but pointed out “we had great energy against North Texas..and held them to 29%.”

While it looks like Marlin would be confident his team would beat North Texas for the third time he stated “No, the team that plays the best will win.”

The bottom line for both teams 'win or go home.'

North Texas Football Schedule Announced

EagleTalkNet — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:51:59 GMT

The October 16th North Texas Football home game against the University of Louisiana-Lafayette is scheduled to be on either ESPN or ESPN2. Network officials wanted to spotlight the new Apogee Stadium before a national audience.

North Texas will see some big names on their schedule including opening up the season against the SEC's LSU on Sept. 1st. They will face Big 12's Kansas State in Manhattan Sept 15th and visit The Big East's Houston on Oct 6th.

Here is the entire schedule:

Date	Opponent
Sept. 1	at LSU
Sept. 8	Texas Southern
Sept. 15	at Kansas State
Sept. 22	Troy*
Sept. 29	at Florida Atlantic*
Oct. 6	at Houston
Oct. 16	Louisiana-Lafayette* ESPN or ESPN2
Oct. 27	at Middle Tennessee*
Nov. 3	Arkansas State*
Nov. 10	South Alabama*
Nov. 17	at Louisiana-Monroe*
Nov. 24	at Western Kentucky*

*indicates Sun Belt game

It will be a challenging schedule for second year coach Dan McCarney who is trying to turn the North Texas program arround.

Turnovers Doom North Texas

EagleTalkNet — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:29:24 GMT

North Texas was rudely treated by host Denver as the Pioneers take a solid 64-52 win in a game that might be the final Sun Belt Conference game between the two teams. This will be the last season for Denver as a member in the Sun Belt Conference. Unless the two teams face each other in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, this is expected to be the final game between the two teams. At this point in time there are no announced plans for the two teams to play each other.

It was a fairly even match during the first half but the second half was a different story.

With 1:01 left in the first half, Denver tied its largest lead of the game when they went up 25-20. North Texas had the opportunity to close the gap but the shots would not fall. With 14 second left, Denver got its largest lead of the half when they put in two technical fouls to lead at halftime 27-20.

Denver scored first in the second half and just building onto their lead. The big reason was turnovers by North Texas. They had 20 turnovers that led to 27 Denver points. North Texas accumulated only 5 points off turnovers.

After the game North Texas Head Basketball Coach Johnny Jones stated it this way “We didn’t do a great job of taking care of the basketball.” He thought his team was trying to be too creative on the court and did not allow the game to come to them. Jones stated he tried to get players in and out of the game to keep everyone fresh.

The next stop for North Texas is the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in Hot Springs, Arkansas. North Texas plays next Sunday against the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, a team that has beaten them twice in the regular season.

North Texas Wins the Hard Way

EagleTalkNet — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:00:18 GMT

North Texas knew what they had to do against the University of Arkansas-Little Rock to help them get a bye in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. The Trojans knew what they had to do to win the Sun Belt West, to beat North Texas at home where they only lost one Sun Belt Conference game. In the end it was North Texas, riding the back of Alzee Williams with 21 points in 43 minutes of play to pull out a win the hard way in overtime 75-67.

Brandan Walton stood by Williams the whole game playing 43 minutes. Tony Mitchell got into early foul trouble but was able to play 35 minutes and kept from fouling out. Walton added to his charge account getting at least two charging calls against opponents in the game.

The game opened up with North Texas getting the first two points of the game when Williams got a two point jump shot to fall which was followed by Mitchell adding two points on a jumper. UALR took the lead after hitting two three point shots but Walton tied the game at 6-6.

UALR was able to go up by seven points before Walton closed the score to 10-14 on three point shot. Tyler Hall hit a three to bring North Texas closer at 13-16. After UALR hit for two, Walton hit a three making it a 16-18 game with 13:15 left in the first half.

North Texas was able to tie the game at 21 all after Trey Norris hit a three and Hall hitting a layup. They took a two point lead when Williams hit two free throws.

UALR was able to tie the game but Mitchell on a dunk gave North Texas a 25-23 lead. The Trojans retook the lead on a three and continued to hold the lead till halftime leading 36-32.

Jacob Holmen's layup started the second half scoring to bring North Texas to within two. Williams hit a two to tie the game at 36. North Texas took a 38-36 lead on a Williams layup forcing UALR to called a timeout with 18:15 left in the game.

UALR took the lead on a three point basket so Walton hit his fourth three pointer of the game giving North Texas a one point lead. Holmen extended the lead hitting a basket which was followed up by Mitchell hitting for a two. After a Mitchell blocked shot, Williams scored at the other end of the court making a 47-41 game.

The Trojans closed within two before Kedrick Hogans got his first points of the game making it a 49-45 game. Williams was able to draw a foul and after hitting one of the free throws gave North Texas a 50-47 lead. Mitchell pushed the lead to 52-47 on a layup but UALR hit a three to close the score to 52-50 at the 7:49 mark left in the game.

Mitchell got a rebound, a dunk, drew the foul got the free throw to fall making it a 55-50 game. UALR closed to within one before Williams got a basket inside the paint followed by another basket giving North Texas a 59-54 lead with 2:48 left in the game. UALR was able to tie the game at 59 and with 18 seconds left North Texas had the final shot to win the game. Williams held the ball and tried a three which was short to end regulation.

Overtime opened with Williams hitting a jumper and Hall getting a layup to put North Texas up 63-59. UALR was able to close to one at 63-62 with 2:43 left. Mitchell pushed the lead out to 65-62. Walton was able to keep North Texas lead at three, after UALR scored two, when he got a layup making the score 67-64. UALR added a point before Franklin put a two point basket in for a 69-65 game. Williams at the line added two more points. UALR responded with a basket and they sent Williams to the line again where he put in both free throws with 12 seconds left.

Once again, Williams was again at the line with 5 seconds left where he scored the final points of the game giving North Texas a 75-67 overtime win.

North Texas now travels to Denver where they end the regular season on Sunday, Feb 26 with tip of slated for 2 PM.

Next week, North Texas will be headed to Hot Springs, Arkansas for the Sun Belt Conference Tournament which starts Saturday, March 3^rd with the conference championship game on Tuesday, March 6th.