RUSTON, LA – It’s no secret the last month of UNT basketball has been nothing short of a roller coaster. After looking like a sure bid for the top group in Conference USA bonus play, the Mean Green lost their last three games to move into sixth place and in the second pod of C-USA.
For those who are still behind on the new bonus play schedule, C-USA officials determined this format of scheduling would build a team’s strength of schedule.
C-USA shortened their conference schedule by four games and paired all of its teams into groups based on their placement in the conference standings. Teams ranked no. 1-5 are in a pod, teams no. 6-10 are grouped together and lastly no. 11-14 fill up the final pod.
Also, no matter how many wins or losses a team inherits, they can go no lower or higher than their respected pod. For example, UNT heads into the weekend at no. 6, so the Mean Green can advance no higher than no. 6 or no lower than no. 10.
Confusing, I know, but it looks as if this scheduling format could be here to stay.
North Texas starts bonus play Saturday at 7 p.m. on the road against Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs come in ranked no. 10 in C-USA after being picked as one of the pre-season favorites to win the conference.
The Mean Green last captured a road win against the Bulldogs in 1952 and look to end a 15-game losing streak in Ruston.
However, that feat won’t be easy as Louisiana Tech has an unblemished 14-0 home record on the season.
UNT and LA Tech have already matched up once this year, with the Mean Green taking a 63-59 home victory on Jan. 3. Zachary Simmons dominated the paint while scoring 16 points.
Simmons will need to be productive again on Saturday to make up for the depleted UNT roster. As of now, the availability of starting point guard Ryan Woolridge and starting shooting guard Jorden Duffy are unknown. Jahmiah Simmons also suffered an injury earlier in the year that has kept him from playing the last three games.
North Texas desperately needs a win to get back on track and gain momentum heading into the C-USA Tournament, which will be their last chance to earn a birth into the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
The game will be broadcasted on C-USA.TV and on the Mean Green Sports Network radio station.
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