DENTON, Texas -- Junior Jayon James finished with 19 points, 10
rebounds and six assists to power ULM past North Texas, 81-68, on Saturday
evening inside the Super Pit. The Warhawks (3-8, 2-3 SBC) shot a season-high
58.3 percent from the field, including 68 percent in the second half to break
open what was a close game throughout.
James finished 6 of 10 from the field and a season-best 7 of 8 from the
free-throw line and recorded his fourth double-double of the season. Junior Amos Olatayo added 17 points on 6-of-12
shooting off the bench for the Warhawks.
Junior Marcelis Hansberry
chipped in 13 points, junior R.J. McCray
tallied 11 points and sophomore Trent
Mackey contributed 10 points as ULM had five double-digit scorers for the
first time this season.
McCray fueled an 8-0 run with a pair of clutch baskets to give the
Warhawks a 68-61 lead with 2:43 remaining. After three straight points by North
Texas cut the lead to 68-64, Hansberry hit a 3-pointer with the shot clock winding
down to put ULM up 71-64 with 1:26 to play.
The Warhawks went 8 of 8 at the free-throw line in the final minute to
seal the victory. ULM finished a stellar 17 of 25 from the field and missed
just four shots inside the 3-point line in the second half. The Warhawks also
finished a season-best 17 of 20 from the free-throw line.
Justin Patton and Jordan Williams each had 16 points to
pace the Mean Green while Tony Mitchell
finished with 15 points and six rebounds.
ULM made 8 of its first 12 shots and jumped out to a 21-13 advantage
with 8:48 remaining in the first half. The Warhawks connected on their first
four 3-point attempts, including one from Mackey that capped the run.
North Texas (6-10, 1-4 SBC) answered with a methodical 15-0 run
spanning the next five minutes before an Olatayo 3-pointer ended the ULM
drought and got the Warhawks within four at 28-24. A driving layup by James in
the final minute helped ULM tie the game at 30-all at halftime. Both teams
converted 11 of 23 field goals in the opening half.
ULM is back in action on Thursday at Troy for a 6 p.m. tipoff. The game
will be televised by the Sun Belt Network.
