UNT 87, UTA 83 (final)

Another typical Mean Green-Mavericks hoops battle. Dominique Johnson sank four free throws in the final 18 seconds to salt this one away for UNT, which led by as much as 20. UNT (5-1) was led by Tristan Thompson's 29 points. Josh White had 19. Johnson had 11 points and seven assists, and Shannon Shorter had 10 points. George Odufuwa had 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Crowded on the site tonight with so much new football news, so we'll have more live hoops coverage later this week with the Thursday game and beyond.

UNT 81, UTA 78 (:57 2nd half)

White has missed a lob and a 3-pointer here in the last minute, and UTA continues to make it a tough game to pull out. Looks like White is about to shoot some free throws.

UNT 81, UTA 76 (1:31 2nd half)

UNT's in position for a gut-it-out victory after a 3-pointer by Shannon Shorter, three free throws by Shannon Shorter, and some nice defensive rebounding by George Odufuwa. UNT has the ball now.

UNT 75, UTA 73 (3:36 2nd half)

We're in a bit of a stalemate here. UNT has had a chance to pull further ahead, but Kedrick Hogan was called for an offensive foul, resulting in a George Odufuwa hoop being waved off. Josh White made a jumper for the lead, but was called for a charge in a subsequent drive. UNT has missed its last six 3-point attempts.

UNT 73, UTA 73 (5:49 2nd half)

It's officially a game. Tristan Thompson (free throws) and Shannon Shorter (layup) have tied it for UNT, but UTA looks resilient. Great matchup as always between these two.

UTA 71, UNT 69 (6:37 2nd half)

LaMarcus Reed just made his second straight 3-pointer to put UTA ahead for the first time.

UNT 67, UTA 65 (8:02 2nd half)

UTA has made a big-time run to tighten this up. UNT led by 18 earlier, but an 18-4 run by the Mavericks have closed the gap to 2.

UNT 59, UTA 41 (15:48 2nd half)

It's not going well for UTA. UNT has 11 3-pointers, and one of the Mavericks just tried a wide-open dunk or drop-in off the baseline, missed badly and ended up on his back under the hoop. Naturally, it amused everyone here to no end.

UNT 45, UTA 29 (halftime)

UNT has had its problems with UTA in recent years, but not tonight so far. UTA is dead meat if it doesn't defends the 3 better. UNT is 8-for-12, and all 12 of Josh White's points (4-for-5) have come on 3-pointers. Tristan Thompson has 13 points at the half. UNT is killing UTA on the boards with a 28-18 rebounding margin.

UNT 37, UTA 22 (4:15 1st half)

Tristan Thompson has it going on tonight with 11 points, and it would take quite the meltdown for UNT to really let this one go. UNT is 6-for-10 from the 3-point line.

UNT 19, UTA 13 (11:51 1st half)

Josh White and Tristan Thompson have six points apiece. George Odufuwa already has six rebounds.

D-Mac in the house tonight

He's across the way with wife Margy at the VIP courtside table enjoying a little hoops after his meet-and-greet with the Mean Green Club. I imagine he's used to a somewhat fuller arena after coaching at Iowa State and Florida. They love the hoops in those places. Here, too, but to a lesser extent.

Blogging from UNT-UTA hoops

Big day in Denton today with Dan McCarney's introduction as UNT's new football coach, and tonight men's hoops (4-1) is hosting UT-Arlington. Early first half, UNT leads the Mavericks 8-3.

Response to McCarney/Canales column reaction

Received a few posts and e-mails on today's column about Saturday's K-State loss, Mike Canales not getting the HC job and Dan McCarney being hired. Everyone is entitled to agree or fire away, but here's a little explanation on my part.

If it wasn't clear from the column, then understand now I don't consider anything in there critical of Canales. It's in there that I don't question his sincerity or his approach with UNT's players the last month. All I wonder -- and it's a THEORY -- is if that approach did him any favors in the hiring process. Maybe it had no effect. Who really knows?

As for the players, nothing personal against them, but I stand by what I wrote, because it's a fair reaction to their own words. I never went looking for a frank admission their teammates quit on Todd Dodge. They volunteered it up. If you find it offensive to have it pointed out, then I guess you need a refresher definition of what news is.

I doubt Robertson or Akpunku were guilty parties in this purported "quitting" by their teammates, but it was hard to detect much remorse or shame in their explanation of what had happened. Obviously, losing takes its toll on everyone, but since when do college football players require an approach only they want or agree with to justify a sudden uptick in effort?

Don't mistake this for painting Canales with a broad brush. He's a coach, and I know he was tough and stern when he had to be. But he did what he felt he had to in coach-player relations, for the psyche of those who needed success and what might have given him the best chance to stay at UNT. I applaud him, but the point I'm making has nothing to do with him.

If Akpunku and Robertson are correct, and they often speak for their teammates on team matters, we're left to think many players viewed losing as anyone's fault but theirs, so they quit. I get that it happens in places with unstable coaching situations, as was this. So, we just laugh it off when the players are this honest about it?

If we're going to hold coaches accountable for losing, then let's not be hypocritical when players admit to truly pitiful, immature stuff like this.

I didn't find it easy to write this, and there's honestly no personal offense meant to UNT players, who have always been pros with the media. I'm just not sure they really heard or thought through what they were admitting.

Of course, if you think the column completely sucks and I should be banned from the AC, then you just wasted your time reading this explanation.

Looks like KSU might hang on

Wildcats converted a 3rd and 6 and now face 3rd and 3 from the UNT 48 with 3:18 to play...first down KSU after another Thomas run. Heading down. Looks like KSU will win one of the craziest college games I've ever seen 49-41.

Dodge has neck injury

Told in press box he has full movement but getting x-rays at hospital.

KSU 49, UNT 41 (10:00 4th QU)

What a day/night this continues to be. A play after Riley Dodge is wheeled off and into an ambulance, backup QB Chase Baine dishes a shovel pass to Dunbar, who catches KSU's defense sleeping on fourth down and goes 18 yards to make an 8-point game -- again. Words don't do justice.

Dodge waving as he rolls off

Good sign. His pops, Todd Dodge, is down there too.

Dodge hurt, ambulance stretcher coming out

Riley Dodge just got beat up pretty bad on a failed zone read, and they're taking him away now. More later, but Chase Baine should be coming in now at QB for UNT. This place is dead silent.

Fouts going out kicking and screaming

Kansas State's Aubrey Quarles just ran back the next kickoff 92 yards for a TD -- a play after Chancellor did it for UNT. KSU leads 49-34 with 14:46 to play. Craziness sure to ensue.

Wow, UNT answers immediately

Brelan Chancellor just ran back the kickoff 93 yards to pull UNT within 8 to end the third quarter. Kansas State leads 42-34. Insane.

It's the Dunbar-Thomas show

KSU went up 42-27 on a Daniel Thomas 3-yard TD run. Thomas set up his score with a 33-yard run to the UNT 6.

Thomas has 249 yards to Dunbar's 253.

KSU 35, UNT 27 (2:46 3rd QU)

Kansas State will not soon forget Lance Dunbar, who added a 36-yard touchdown run on a little fake-and-draw from Dodge. Dunbar has 253 yards 3 TDs.

KSU 35, UNT 20 (7:33 3rd QU)

The kicking game is killing UNT. Deans punted 20 yards to set KSU up in UNT territory, and the Wildcats scored on eight running plays (nine total) for what looks like a comfortable lead. Lance Dunbar hasn't been a factor since going off in the first quarter.

KSU 28, UNT 20 (13:48 3rd QU)

Daniel Thomas ran 51 yards to set up a wildcat run (7 yards) by backup QB Collin Klein. Looks like the Cats have figured UNT out.

KSU 21, UNT 20 (halftime)

Wildcats take their first lead on some ill-timed UNT mistakes, the first one an 18-yard punt by Trent Deans, who had to scramble to get off an 18-yard punt after a bad snap. KSU drove from the UNT 36 and scored on Coffman's short pass to Chris Harper with 5 seconds left in the half.

KSU sacked Dodge to set up that on-the-run punt by Deans that went out of bounds. UNT's defense forced a turnover on downs on the previous KSU drive and is playing well, but Royce Hill dropped an interception that could have had UNT in business going the other way.

KSU pushes one in, finally

It took four attempts from the UNT 2, but KSU finally scores on Coffman's 1-yard sneak, which required a replay review. UNT leads 20-14 in the second quarter and just punted after going 3 and out.

For some reason, Lance Dunbar isn't in the game after his monster first quarter. 

Dunbar tees off on KSU again

He just went 63 yards for a TD and now has 161 on five carries. UNT leads 20-7 with 3:23 to go in the first. KSU's Carson Coffman fumbled away the Wildcats' last drive.

UNT 13, Kansas State 7 (6:27 1st QU)

If your a KSU fan and were watching at home if this game was even on TV, you'd want to put a foot through the TV. Riley Dodge found Jamaal Jackson, who beat man coverage for a 15-yard score. UNT missed the kick but re-took the lead.

UNT 7, KSU 7 (9:17 1st QU)

Daniel Thomas got KSU on the board with a 23-yard TD run. So far, UNT can't stop the guy.

UNT 7, Kansas State 0 (12:59 1st QU)

Quick score by UNT on Lance Dunbar's 52-yard TD run. Riley Dodge found Jamize Olawale on a 30-yard completion a few plays earlier. So far, Kansas State leaking oil on defense.

Blogging from the Fouts swan song

They should hold a promotion to see who gets to push the implosion button on this place, but for now it's still a football stadium. UNT host Kansas State (kickoff in about 10 mins.) today in the last game at Fouts Field. It's senior day, and I can't imagine UNT pulling off a win against the Big 12's Wildcats, but we'll see.

Lots of purple in the stands, but you wouldn't expect less from the KSU fans.

Done here (so is UNT)

Pretty down atmosphere around the UNT locker room after ULM won 49-37. UNT got it to 42-37 with 7:08 to play but couldn't get a stop or hold ULM to a field goal with 2:52 remaining. ULM intercepted Dodge to effectively end the game.

Seniors and Fouts Field go out next Saturday against Kansas State. Don't know exactly where this leaves interim coach Mike Canales and Co., but one can imagine. At times, UNT was really poor tonight on both sides of the ball. Headed back to Texas now, more on this game (and going forward) later.

ULM 42, UNT 37 (7:08 4th QU)

Dodge found Carey on a bubble screen that wen 41 yards for a quick TD. It's not over yet.

Looking pretty grim

ULM leads 42-30 after, you guessed it, another big play against UNT's defense. Browning hung up a long pass that Luther Ambrose hauled for a 53-yard score. How, I have no idea, since Brad Graham and Ryan Downing were right there with Ambrose, and Graham was looking back at the ball long before it arrived. Go figure.

ULM 35, UNT 30 (9:23 4th QU)

UNT's Olen put through a 45-yard field goal. The offense was on the move, but Brandin Byrd was stopped for a 3-yard loss on 3rd and 1. Riley Dodge converted a 3rd and 8 on the drive and then kept for 26 yards on the next play.

ULM 35, UNT 27 (13:42 4th QU)

Edwards scored from a yard. Still a lot of time left for UNT to pull itself together on both sides of the ball.

ULM at UNT 1

Jyruss Edwards ran 17 yards to one pylon before going out of bounds. UNT really inconsistent this half.

UNT loses fumble

Dunbar just lost the ball on 2nd and 13 after the teams each punted twice. ULM is deep in UNT territory after 20-yard completion. Second and 8 at UNT 25.

Just went to 4th quarter. ULM still leads 28-27.

Browning having way with UNT defense

ULM quarterback Kolton Browning just got out of every sticky situation he could on a 13-play drive, including a 23-yard scramble on 4th and 2. He found Frank Goodin for a 10-yard score, and ULM leads 28-27, early second quarter.

Browning keeps taking off to his right, and there's no one in green and white anywhere.

Stat check

Lance Dunbar ran for 131 yards and a TD in the first half. Riley Dodge threw for 100 and a TD. Brelan Chancellor has three kickoff returns for 121 yards and a TD.

On defense, Craig Robertson already has 10 tackles. UNT needs about five more of him out there.

UNT 27, ULM 21 (halftime)

A ULM offsides penalty kept UNT in business after an incompletion on third down. Dodge hit Darius Carey for 10 yards, Jamaal Jackson for 14 and then Jackson again for a 15-yard TD. Jackson beat his man on the fade route. Last 16 seconds of half just ran off.

Defense mans up a little

K.C. Obi and Shavod Atkinson just sacked Browning to force a punt on a ULM drive that went nowhere. Good pressure by Brandon Akpunku on two other plays.

Only thing sorrier than UNT's defense is...

ULM's special teams, apparently. UNT's Brelan Chancellor just ran the kickoff back 91 yards for a score. ULM now leads 21-20.

Yikes, the big plays in this game.

ULM 21, UNT 13 (3:49 2nd QU)

Drive worth forgetting for UNT's defense, which killed itself with an offsides penalty on fourth down and couldn't stop ULM's offense worth a flip. Browning just found Luther Ambrose on a little underneath cross from 10 yards for the score.

Offsides UNT

First down, ULM. Looks like UNT had the Warhawks stopped, too. Shame. Frank Gaines was the offender.

ULM running it up UNT's gut, but facing 4th down

Warhawks called timeout on 4th and 3 from UNT 29. Mean Green still trailing 14-13 and could use a stop here with ULM going for it.

By the way...

Lance Dunbar is over 100 yards rushing for UNT already, and we're just a few minutes into the second quarter.

ULM 14, UNT 13 (12:48 2nd QU)

Long kickoff return by ULM (terrible coverage by UNT) leads to another Warhawks TD. Frank Gooding just bulled his way in from 8 yards.

Dunbar is back, looks OK

So much for Dunbar being shaken up earlier. He just ran 83 yards for a TD and a 1-play UNT scoring drive. Looks like he wasn't touched. UNT leads 13-7, early second quarter.

The big play...again (ULM leads 7-6)

It wouldn't be a game without UNT's defense giving up a big scoring play. Je'Ron Hamm just outjumped UNT's D'Leon McCord for a 48-yard TD to cap a 3-play, 70-yard scoring drive.

First quarter just ended.

Another FG for UNT

Mean Green leads 6-0 with :58 showing in first quarter. Olen kicked a 23-yarder to end another drive that fell short in ULM's red zone and was set up by a Warhawks turnover.

Dunbar walking off on his own

Looks OK until we hear otherwise.

Dunbar down, looks hurt

Hasn't gotten up from a 1-yard run. Lots of trainers out with him now.

Interception UNT

Jeremy Phillips picked off ULM quarterback Kolton Browning, and UNT is deep into Warkhawk territory.

UNT 3, ULM 0 (9:36 1st QU)

Zach Olen kicked a 22-yard field goal to salvage a good drive that made it to the ULM 3 before a direct snap to Lance Dunbar went haywire and lost 9 yards.

We're away

UNT on offense first.

Blogging today from Monroe

We had a near scare on the wireless availability, but the folks at ULM came through about half an hour ago. Bumped into Conroy Hines out near the tailgate area about 90 minutes ago. He was drinking a Diet Coke (at first I thought Coors Light!) and taking a pregame walk. He coached down the road at Louisiana Tech and knows a lot of folks around here. Nice fall colors right now in northern Louisiana, not a bad drive. Both bands here today, so that's always nice for any college game. About 13 minutes 'til kickoff, and this plays is nearly empty.

This and that

A few musings on hoops, spikes, today's football game and Search 2010: 

• Not much to add to UNT's game Friday night in men's hoops, other than I figured the Mean Green might hang around a little longer at Kansas in the Jayhawks' 90-63 victory. I thought UNT might get out of the Phog with roughly a 15-point loss, but Kansas winning by this much is no surprise. In just a few weeks, UNT got a good look at what should be the top and bottom ends of the Big 12, including a two-period scrimmage against Oklahoma that UNT won by 20 or so. No telling what Texas Tech will be this season, but it's still early after UNT's OT win on Tuesday. Another good one at the Pit on Tuesday against Rice, and UNT should get the W if the shooting returns. Those UNT grads or Denton folks who don't see a game all season -- and let's face, a lot won't -- are going to miss out on a nice team worth watching.

• UNT's volleyball season is over after the Mean Green fell 3-1 to Middle Tennessee in the Sun Belt semifinals. UNT finished 20-13 and tied for the West Division title, which means a banner goes up at the Mean Green Village next season. Good first step in rebuilding that program and attracting more of top club talent from around the area and state. You can see UNT really getting a crack at a conference title and NCAA berth in the next few years if things keep trending upward. Wonder if any of those standing-room only matches (they do happen occasionally) need to move to a bigger place. If so, good problem to have.

• Can't predict what a UNT football victory at Monroe today will mean, but you figure it'll at least make interim coach Mike Canales a viable candidate for the job and hopefully not a symbolic one given lip service. No surprise, I got an emphatic thumbs up from several players who will return in 2011. They're also big boys who know coaching searches rarely, if ever, take into account players' desires. Dictatorships, not democracies. Whatever happens, playing well and having success lately has felt good, and you can't argue with that. With getting closer to six wins on the line, figure ULM to punch away. Keeping the Warhawks' DL from teeing off will be a priority.

• Speaking of the search, I'm getting some indication that it's officially on, but know one knows for sure if it's with or without Canales. Again, today will tell more, but at least two other strong candidates have emerged out front. Until there's more confirmation, this isn't the forum to discuss them openly.

Overlooked in last night's craziness

The UNT women's team got some good news with the signing of Fort Worth Western Hills guard Audrianna Simpson on Tuesday. Simpson (5-9) is ranked by one recruiting service, Premier Basketball Report, as the 44th-best player in Texas.

“She is an incredibly gifted athlete who will help us to continue to build on our defensive intensity and offensive aggressiveness,” UNT coach Shanice Stephens said in a release. “At the guard spot, she displays strong court vision and her impressive vertical allows her to be an incredible rebounder.”

I can't say I've seen Simpson play, but she must possess some good intangibles when you get past the numbers. An all-District 7-4A selection, Simpson averaged just 9 points and four rebounds per game, but she appears to be a defensive-stopper type (college teams can use those) with four steals per contest.

Last season at Western Hills Simpson was named to the District 7-4A second team as she averaged nine points a game. Simpson pulled down four rebounds a game and had three steals a contest last season.

UNT 92, Texas Tech 83 (final)

Big, big nonconference victory for UNT, though you wonder if it'll scare more big-name opponents away from the Super Pit in the future. Students are storming the floor right now. Can't see White anywhere, which is no surprise when you're under 6 feet tall. They're passing Scrappy along the top of the pile of humanity. Had some good moments in this building the last few years, but this one will really endure. Rest of Sun Belt conference will notice this one, I'd guess. Back with more later.

UNT finishing this off (leads 92-82, 35 seconds left)

UNT took complete and utter control of the overtime period and now leads by 10 with the game winding down. Josh White has 32 points and won't soon forget the night he took an ugly stick to the visiting Red Raiders. Final score in a few minutes.

UNT 84, Tech 80 (2:11 first OT)

Brad Reese just hit a crazy 3-pointer for Tech that looked like it was going in horizontally. More like a throw than a shot. Tech staying in there.

UNT 82, Tech 74 (3:19 first OT)

White (pullup 3), Thompson (baseline J) and White (3 pointer off Johnson's rebound, break and baseline dish) have Tech on the ropes early in OT. Looking good so far for the Mean Green.

UNT 74, Tech 74 (end regulation)

To OT we go after White's driving bucket to end regulation. Tech's Singletary missed 3 of 6 FTs in the closing 2 minutes.

UNT 72, Tech 72 (1:12 2nd)

Going to wire on this one. Tech's Mike Singletary converted 1 of 2 FTs, and Odufuwa missed a j-hook at the other end. Tight, tight, tight.

Tech 71, UNT 70 (2:56 2nd)

UNT just called a timeout after a near-turnover. Tech went ahead on a Brad Reese bucket. Thompson hit a couple of more FTs for UNT. Pretty back and forth right now.

Tech 67, UNT 66 (3:59 2nd)

Josh White and heretofore quiet Tristan Thompson are keeping UNT in it. White just pinballed into the lane like a crash-test dummy (yeah, that's a bad double metaphor) and threw up a crazy shot that went in. Thompson drove in for an acrobatic scoop layup. Dominique Johnson then made two FTs, and it's a 1-point game.

Tech 60, UNT 59 (7:51 2nd)

Great game as we wind down. UNT has cut into a 7-point Tech lead with a bucket from Odufuwa, two FTs from White, and a fast-break hoop by Hogans off a great assist by Johnson. Tech just missed a dunk and then traveled.

UNT 51, Tech 51 (11:47 2nd)

UNT has stormed back. Odufuwa has assisted Hogans twice underneath, and UNT's offense has really picked up steam. Johnson dribbled side-to-side, dished to White, who drove and dropped it off to Alonzo Edwards for a dunk and Tech foul. Edwards made the FT to cut Tech's lead to 51-48. Tech got a turnover, couldn't convert the fast break, and White took the rebound and flew downcourt. He dished to Johnson, whose 3 tied the game. It's electric in here.

Tech 46, UNT 41 (15:50 2nd)

Odufuwa made two FTs, and it looked as if White was going to convert a 1-on-1 break off a steal by Hogans, but they called White with an offensive foul instead. Didn't look like it.

Tech 46, UNT 39 (17:57 2nd)

It's a 6-0 run for Tech, which has forced two UNT turnovers in a short span to start the second half. Odufuwa was robbed out of nowhere on a UNT 3-on-1 break. UNT's offense (and defense) needs a spark.

Tech 40, UNT 39 (Halftime)

Odufuwa's layup got UNT within 38-37, but Tech answered on a Jaye Crockett jumper. Offensively, Josh White, Dominique Johnson and Odufuwa took control down the first-half stretch. White had a 3-pointer, and Johnson a couple of free throws. White hit a jumper with a few seconds showing to cut Tech's lead at the break to 1. UNT having some problems with Tech's motion offense, especially in transition. Gotta tighten the screws.

Tech 34, UNT 31 (3:36 1st)

Lewandowski just threw down a dunk to conclude a little back-and-forth offense. Josh White hit a 3 for UNT, and George Odufuwa nailed a jump-hook. Tech got a 3 off a nice screen in that stretch and has been able to pull ahead slightly as we head to the break.

Offenses picking up

Kedrick Hogans (3-point play) and Johnson (3-pointer) have UNT up 20-18, but Tech just now tied it. Things are really picking up. Just now, Hogans saved a loose ball from going out of bounds, tossing it blind behind his back to Jacob Holmen for a layup that has this place on its feet. UNT leads 22-20. Holmen's bucket resulted from a failed UNT alley-oop play.

UNT 14, Tech 13 (11:48 1st)

Dominique Johnson just popped a little jumper behind the foul line off an inbounds play, and UNT is back up. Neither team has discernible control of this contest. The tempo, even in half-court, is pretty brisk, and Tech's man defense is keeping UNT from going off.

Tech's big man picks up 2nd foul (14:20 first)

Robert Lewandowski, Tech's 6-10 center, just commited and offensive foul and is sitting down. One thing you can always seem to count on is Tech trying to plug the middle with some guy who moves like Frankenstein. Lewandowski actually moves OK, but the you still get the picture. Tech leads 11-10.

Tech 9, UNT 8 (15:35 1st)

Tech's defense has stiffened up after UNT jumped out to a 6-2 lead on Shannon Shorter's coast-to-coast layup. This one should be close to the end, I'd guess.

Tipping off...familiar faces in the house

Brief mention of this...I covered Tech for the Star-Telegram for three years, so I see some familiar faces tonight, including coach Pat Knight...Just tipped off. George Odufuwa scores first, UNT up 2-0. Tech ties it quickly. Back later.

UNT-Texas Tech hoops...banners about to go up

Just getting situated for the start of UNT's home game against Texas Tech. Now being brought out are the 2009-2010 banners commemorating last year's Sun Belt Conference regular-season title (West Division, I presume), Sun Belt Conference tournament title, and NCAA Tournament appearance. Up they go. Nice way to kick off a big nonconference game.

Another look at the new WAC

Hand it to Western Athletic Conference commissioner Karl Benson – just when you thought they were about to fold the tents at the league office in Denver, he figured out a way to survive the conference-realignment nuclear winter. Barely.

The wacky WAC is now wackier than ever, and it’s had some wacky times the last 40 or so years. Boise State, Fresno State and Nevada are headed out in the next year or two, and Benson this week dipped into the ranks of the FCS or in Texas-San Antonio’s case, the no-CS. UTSA and Texas State will join the WAC after Fresno and Nevada bolt in 2012. UTSA has a coach (Larry Coker) and a borrowed stadium (the Alamodome), but matching practice unis at this point might be a stretch.

Obviously, the first reaction is to snicker a bit at Benson, who came off like a massive hypocrite last summer when all of this BYU-to-the-WAC in all sports but football came about. The Mountain West struck a preemptive blow by pilfering Fresno and Nevada, and Benson started throwing around words like selfish to describe those schools’ actions. Never mind he started the ball rolling with his clandestine dealings with BYU.

It all eventually fell apart for Benson, who at one point sounded so low, so despairing in interviews that we were certain the WAC was set to go the way of the Southwest Conference, especially with Hawaii making noise about independence, too.

But hey, the guy got back on his speaker phone, set up conference calls and meetings, made pitches and nearly pulled in a third replacement school, Montana. That Grizzlies have a good thing going in the FCS and decided playoff football resonated better with their fans. Can’t blame them.

Now, Denver is set to leave the Sun Belt and join the WAC. It’s really no biggie; Denver is a hockey school that fits better into the WAC geography, but the Pioneers must parachute into Texas a few times a year for hoops or soccer or whatever.

Finally, the point of this little rant is this: Where should North Texas stand in all of it? What we know is Benson pitched WAC membership to UNT athletic director Rick Villarreal on at least two occasions, maybe three. I wouldn’t rule out another phone call in the near future. The WAC needs a ninth football member. UNT, for now, is going the way of consultant Chuck Neinas’ advice and forgoing realignment issues to build a winner and a brand in the Sun Belt first.

Good advice, but are there any real absolutes here? I keep hearing the WAC is dead, Sun Belt is better, blah, blah…but does anyone really know that? Not making a case for what UNT should or shouldn’t do, but here's what I can see so far.

The WAC setup going forward has eight football-playing members, and four are no farther west than Las Cruces, N.M. Half the league is a reasonable-to-favorable distance from Denton, including New Mexico State, Louisiana Tech and the two newcomers. For those schools, perhaps you work out a yearly football schedule that goes west to San Jose State, Idaho, Hawaii or Utah State no more than twice a season. UTSA and Texas State will struggle early, probably for several years, but I’m fairly certain FAU and FIU were once dismissed as drags on the FBS membership. To many, they probably still are.

Has the Sun Belt been good to UNT? Sure, but why pooh-pooh the WAC as an alternative out of either blind loyalty, perception or scenarios yet to unfold? Again, I could care less if this goes either way, but I want to see an eventual side-to-side comparison of television opportunites/revenue, bowl tie-ins or competitive balance that the WAC might (or might not) have to offer.

As for the travel excuse for non-football sports, conference geographies have turned so ridiculous in the past decade that schools just deal with it. If you’re one of those fans obsessed with money-based arguments, bean-counting and bottom lines when it comes to flying the softball team to Logan, Utah (does USU play softball?), then maybe you should try to enjoy life a bit more. Frankly, I couldn't care less. If it concerns the suits, that's their call. Miami, San Jose, whatever. Does it suck that someone has to go to Honolulu once in a while? Probably, but it’s called fiscal planning. A 36,000-student university should be able to find a way.

All I know is Benson and the WAC are now bona fide survivors. They seemed all but exterminated from the college sports map, but here they are, like stubborn cockroaches. They might look a little goofy, but we know how big the roaches down here can get.

UNT wins exhibition, looks to clean up before opener

Shorter led UNT with 23 points. (Photo/Rick Yeatts)

DENTON –  Men’s college basketball exhibitions, where home teams get essentially a practice game against some lower-division who’s-that-team, can get a little too close for comfort. Just ask Tennessee this year or Syracuse last year or whomever has taken one of these on the chin.

No such embarrassment befell North Texas on Wednesday against Division II Arkansas-Monticello, which hung around at times but took its defeat and went home. UNT improved to 14-0 in exhibition play under coach Johnny Jones with an 80-73 victory at the Super Pit.

Shannon Shorter, who made three 3-pointers all of last season, was 4-for-6 from long range and led UNT with 23 points. Dominque Johnson, who missed most of last season with an injury, scored 17. George Odufuwa had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

UNT opens the 2010-2011 season on Friday at noon against Division II Henderson State and will win easily if it can cut roughly in half  Wednesday's 16 turnovers. Exhibitions aren’t known for the cleanest play, either, and UNT is going with a longer rotation that on a given night could see see an entirely different second team on the floor.

On Wednesday, that rotation didn’t include forward Cameron Spencer, who is trying to heal up some nagging injuries. Odufuwa, guards Shorter, Josh White and Tristan Thompson and forward Kedrick Hogans (nine rebounds, four blocks) took the first rotation.

Johnson, Alzee Williams, Ben Knox, Jacob Holmen and Alonzo Edwards took the second shift. Johnson and Williams (7 points) did all the scoring in that second group.

“That’s pretty much the rotation right now,” said Jones, who secured signatures from four standout prep players on Wednesday’s opening of the early signing period. “We feel like we have 10 or 11 guys who can be impact players. We’re deep, and those guys have challenged each other every day in practice.”

Dallas Kimball’s Jordan Williams, Garland Lakeview Centennial’s Chris Jones, South Grand Prairie Trey Norris and Eastland’s Forrest Robinson all signed with UNT on Wednesday, though UNT still requires a parental signature from Jones’ mother. Casper (Wyo.) College sophomore Brandan Walton will also be officially signed when his paperwork arrives.

Anticipation for their arrival will build this season, but until then, veteran players who have stepped up their games like Shorter – extra off-season work on his shooting could pay dividends – could make UNT a mid-major that turns heads. On Wednesday, Monticello played like a lower-rung team wanting a piece of one of the big boys, and UNT’s eagerness to get under the lights showed at times.

“Teams like [Monticello] don’t get a lot of D-I opportunities,” Jones said. “It’s their Super Bowl game. They want to knock you off. They really bring an energy level to these games. I’d much rather play a game like this than win by 40 or 50. It doesn’t count on your record, but you don’t want to get in a situation where you lose, either.”

-- TMGR

Shorter, Johnson taking over

Shorter has 22 points and Dominique Johnson has 17 with UNT now leading 69-57. UNT hasn't been able to stretch it by much more than 10 tonight. Monticello looks like it could be solid in the D-II Gulf South Conference this year, even though it lost five starters from a 14-11 team. UNT should improve to 14-0 in exhibitions under Johnny Jones. Three minutes to go, UNT ahead 71-61.

UNT clamping down

UNT's defense is putting it on the Boll Weevils (seriously?). Shorter just took a loose ball coast-to-coast for a layup, and UNT leads 46-33 with 14:51 remaining.

UNT 37, Arkansas-Monticello 28 (halftime)

Shannon Shorter has 12 points, and UNT has picked up the shooting (43 percent). Shorter made three 3-pointers all last season and is 3-of-5 tonight. Too bad these three don't count tonight.

UNT heating up now

Three-pointers by Shannon Shorter (two) and Dominique Johnson have put UNT up 26-20. Little schools like Monticello love these exhibition games and often play like they do (see Tennessee this week), but they'll almost always wilt by halftime.

They look like it's early

UNT shooting 25 percent (4-of-16), including 0-of-7 from 3-point range. Arkansas-Monticello still hanging around. Game tied at 11. Ten minutes into the season, this is what you get.

Blogging from men's hoops exhibition

UNT switched out an entire team to get a look at everyone. Starters were White, Shorter, Odufuwa, Hogans and Thompson. On the floor now: Knox, Williams, Edwards, Johnson and Holmen. Typical exhibition, ragged, letting lesser opponent hang around. UNT leads 11-9.

Aren't lists fun?

I'm seeing a number of so-called "new" lists pop up, and they're kind of funny, mostly because they're not all that new. Thought I'd throw up this one up, even though it first appeared at TMGR way back on Oct. 20. No wonder so many "lists" look so familiar.

Snarky? Whatever.

UNT getting mixed respect

The fall golf season officially wrapped up earlier this month with another victory for UNT's women, it's third in four tournaments. For the fall, UNT won three events and was fifth at another one. UNT's men finished a few weeks earlier, going 1-2-3 in three events this fall. The spring season doesn't start until February.

That brings us to the latest various college golf rankings. I guess scheduling is everything in college golf, because UNT's women get about as much respect as John Daly these days. Given a 3-1 fall, Golfweek appears to get it somewhat right and has UNT at 29th in Division I in its latest rankings. The computerized Golfstat rankings that take into account a million or so different variables has UNT's women at 50. Don't ask how that's possible when you've won three times, but it is.

Next up is the Golf World/Nike NGCA women's coaches' poll, which must be a good-old-girls club similar to the men's side (GCAA coaches' poll). The NGCA poll has UNT's women exactly...nowhere in sight. Not even a vote. Yeah, right. Someone justify that, please.

Golfweek (29th) and Golfstat (28th) still have UNT's men still sitting just outside those top 25s. The GCAA coaches' poll appears quite determined to keep UNT in the "receiving votes" category until the forseeable future, though that numbers is rising. UNT has gone from one vote received to 23.

Honestly, I don't pretend to understand anything about college golf polls, but I'm not trying to be ignorant either. All I know is UNT plays pretty good golf on both sides of the gender line. It has been a while since that happened, so perhaps that's the reason for such inconsistency in polling recognition.

It's over

Dunbar dropped a short pass from Dodge, who couldn't find anyone deep or on a medium route. Really poor finish for Dunbar, who's one of UNT's steadier players. Troy wins 41-35.

Slipping away, methinks

UNT had three minutes to turn that interception into an upset victory, but it's fourth and 14 now. UNT called timeout at its own 37. A chop block called on Dunbar knocked UNT back 15 yards. It's always something.

Troy trying to hang on

3:09 left, and Troy leads 41-35. Trojans face third and eight from their 47. Robinson drops back, avoids trouble, moves up and throws a weak pass that was picked off by UNT's Zach Orr. First and 10 UNT at own 41.

Dodge finds Stradford

We haven't seen as much playmaking this season from OU transfer wideout Tyler Stradford as expected. Dodge just found him for a 24-yard touchdown in the back corner of the end zone. UNT is within 41-35 with 5:29 to play. Ridiculous offense in this game.

Drake walking off on his own

Doubt he'll be back.

Kelvin Drake down in obvious pain

UNT senior offensive guard Kelvin Drake just went down. He's got his helmet off, and you can see he's in agony. Drake has a history of foot or ankle injuries, and I'd be shocked if this isn't related.

Troy 41, UNT 28 (8:40 in 4th QU)

Troy tight end Donnie Crosby gets his first catch tonight on an 18-yard TD. UNT didn't have him covered as he camped out around the goal line. Probably because Jernigan took the snap.

Troy driving for the nail

Trojans at the UNT 18 facing third and 7. Just called timeout. They'll go on fourth if necessary.

Don't know if he'll ever be DeMarcus Ware, but...

Jonathan Massaquoi, a redshirt sophomore, looks like the next great Troy defensive lineman. He's sacked Riley Dodge three times tonight. UNT has no answer for him.

Big stop for UNT's D

Kelvin Jackson and a host of other Mean Green defenders stuffed Troy on fourth and 1 -- this after offsides on UNT on fourth-and-six -- and UNT takes possession on downs.

Troy 34, UNT 28 (end third QU)

Troy is driving from the UNT 31 to start the fourth quarter. Third and six coming up.

Whazzup with Troy's blown coverages?

Lance Dunbar just camped out along the far sideline and took a pass 66 yards to the house. First it was Drew Miller, now Dunbar. Troy leads 34-28 late in the third. FYI, UNT has completed more than one pass (2) to a TE for the first time this season.

Troy pulls ahead again; UNT misses FG

Jernigan took a wildcat 55 yards to the UNT 2, and Troy scored a play later for 34-21. UNT's offense had it going into Troy territory, but Dodge was sacked again on third and five, and Zach Olen missed a 42-yard field goal attempt that had plenty of distance.

We have a tight-end passing game sighting

Riley Dodge found walk-on Drew Miller alone for 31 yards and a score to pull UNT within 27-21. First TD catch by a tight end this season, I believe.

Troy calls idiotic timeout after dominating UNT defense

Troy called a timeout (why?) after driving at will inside UNT's 20. On second-and-four at the UNT 17, Troy came back from the huddle, ran a wildcat play that lost five yards, and then completed a pass for two yards. Settled for a 38-yard field goal. Don't get it, but at least UNT held Troy to 3. Trojans lead 27-14 in third quarter.

Troy 24, UNT 14 (halftime)

UNT's offense could do anything on its last drive. Riley Dodge was sacked, and they're in the locker room. Not out of it by any stretch. Defense is feast or famine, and the offense is digging itself too many third-and-long situations. At least two third-down passes have come up short on poor calls or routes. Special teams needs to cover Troy return man Jerrel Jernigan better, but that's not totally unexpected. All things considered, could be way worse.

Defense backs Troy way back

UNT took over after a punt with 2:20 to play in the first half. A Troy fumble and tackles for losses by Brandon Akpunku and Craig Robertson had Troy backed up to its goal line.

UNT stalls after review

Riley Dodge appeared to complete a long pass to Darius Carey deep in Troy territory, but a review ruled the pass incomplete. Not sure why, but we don't have replay in the booth up here, and it's pretty far to the replay board. Trent Deans' punt was down about an inch from the goal line by UNT's Ira Smith. Nice special-teams play.

Troy comes out on top of crazy sequence

Troy brought a UNT kickoff out to the Mean Green's 46 then kept converting impossible first downs. Jerrel Jernigan took a direct snap off his fingers, chased it down and ran to the UNT 9, where he was tackled hard out of bounds by Royce Hill. A Troy player coming to Jernigan's defense was slapped with a personal foul, and Troy backed up to the UNT 20 on second down. Robinson then threw a high pass up into end zone traffic, and Eric Thomas went up high to grab the ball out of nowhere for a 20-yard TD. Troy leads 24-14.

UNT back in it

UNT took advantage of the short field and roughing-the-passer on Troy. Darius Carey took an end-around 12 yards -- fairly easily -- to pull UNT within 17-14. Eleven minutes left in the second quarter.

UNT in business at Troy 24

A.J. Penson just picked off a Troy pass at the Trojans' end of the field.

Troy 17, UNT 7 (early 2nd QU)

Brandon Akpunku applied the pressure on a third down, and Robinson was forced to throw it away. Troy kicked a short field goal and leads by 10. We've just gone to the second quarter.

Troy takes over on downs

Riley Dodge couldn't find an open receiver on fourth down (UNT was too close to Troy's end zone to punt and too far for a field goal). Troy's defense is giving up a play here and there, but holding.

Defense looking pretty poor so far

Troy quarterback Chad Robinson just lofted a beautiful timing throw for a 39-yard touchdown to put the Trojans up 14-7. Either D'Leon McCord or Ryan Downing or both got roasted in the UNT secondary.

Score-fest?

Not sure what we're in for here, but UNT scored in five plays. Lance Dunbar finished off the drive with runs of 25 and six yards. The longer one was called out of bounds at the Troy 6, and Boomer was fired prematurely when its crew thought Dunbar had scored. No matter, he was in the next play.

Well, that didn't take long

Troy goes up 7-0 on first play of game, 69-yard flea flicker.

Teams on the field for kickoff

UNT-Troy getting started soon in Denton.

UNT 15th in first mid-major rankings

North Texas checks in No. 15 (highest ever) in the collegeinsider.com mid-major rankings for men's basketball. Someone out there is paying attention.

Mid-major poll