North Texas downs Jacksonville State to advance to CBI Finals

DENTON, Texas – North Texas has advanced to play in the College Basketball Invitational Finals.

The Mean Green came out of the gates strong, shooting 70 percent from the field, including 71.4 percent from three, to take a 57-29 halftime lead before emerging with a 90-68 victory over Jacksonville State.

North Texas led from start to finish and placed five players in double figures, led by Roosevelt Smart and his 20 points. Jorden Duffy posted 19 points and seven rebounds, Zachary Simmons had 13 points and nine rebounds, Ryan Woolridge (pictured) registered 12 points and nine assists, and DJ Draper added 14 points.

As a team, the Mean Green finished the game shooting 61.5 percent (32-of-52) from the field and 70 percent (14-of-20) from three.

Jacksonville State, which ends the season with a 23-13 record, was paced by the 23-point effort of Malcolm Drumwright. Jason Burnell scored 17 points and Norbertas Giga added 15 points and seven rebounds. The Gamecocks were stifled by North Texas’ defense as they ended the game shooting 21-of-56 (.375) from the floor, including 7-of-23 (.304) from three.

Campbell will play at San Francisco on Thursday with the winner taking on North Texas in the best-of-three CBI Finals which begin on Monday, March 26. The Finals will air on ESPNU with Roy Philpott and Jason Capel on the call. The schedule for the CBI Finals will be announced after Thursday’s semifinal game.