North Texas 77, Florida International 67
North Texas shot a school single-game record 75 percent from the field to overcome its ball-handling troubles and hand Florida International a 77-67 loss in a Sun Belt Conference game Saturday night.
The Mean Green (9-17, 4-11) made 24 of 32 attempts from the field and knocked down 27 of 32 free throws as well in snapping a five-game losing streak.
The Mean Green's previous season-high coming into the game was 49.3 percent.
The visiting Panthers (13-11, 8-7) managed to keep the game close by forcing North Texas into 21 turnovers while committing only 11.
FIU fell behind by 23 points, 37-14, just over 12 minutes into the game but closed the first half on a 21-4 run to get within six points, 41-35, at the intermission.
It was just a four-point difference before Alzee Williams hit a layup with two seconds left before the half.
The Panthers, however, were not able to get any closer than four points in the second half, and the Mean Green got their lead back into double digits, 71-61 with under four minutes left.
FIU's Tymell Murphy scored a game-high 23 points. Roger Franklin led North Texas in scoring with 21 points.
