Smart scores 28, North Texas rallies for 74-70 win over Rice
DENTON, Texas -- Roosevelt Smart had 28 points and DJ Draper scored 10 of his 12 points in the final five minutes to help North Texas rally for a 74-70 win over Rice on Saturday.
Allante Holston scored 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting for North Texas (13-10, 6-4 Conference USA), which has won three in a row.
Connor Cashaw's 3-pointer gave Rice (5-18, 2-8) a 56-47 lead with 8 1/2 minutes to play, but the Mean Green scored 13 of the next 17 points, tying it on a Draper 3. Draper made a layup and a 3-pointer and Smart made a pair of free throws for a 71-67 lead with 1:11 left. Bishop Mency hit a 3 for Rice but the Owls had two turnovers while North Texas was 3 of 4 from the foul line.
Cashaw had 18 points and eight rebounds, and Mercy scored 17, for Rice, which had 18 turnovers that cost 22 points.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Jeff Malham
- Tommy Short
- Joey Richardson
2023-24 American Athletic Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Florida | 16-2 | - | 25-8 |
| Florida Atlantic | 14-4 | 2 | 25-9 |
| Charlotte | 13-5 | 3 | 19-12 |
| UAB | 12-6 | 4 | 23-12 |
| Memphis | 11-7 | 5 | 22-10 |
| SMU | 11-7 | 5 | 20-13 |
| North Texas | 10-8 | 6 | 19-15 |
| Tulsa | 7-11 | 9 | 16-15 |
| East Carolina | 7-11 | 9 | 15-18 |
| Tulane | 5-13 | 11 | 14-17 |
| Temple | 5-13 | 11 | 16-20 |
| Wichita State | 5-13 | 11 | 15-19 |
| UTSA | 5-13 | 11 | 11-21 |
| Rice | 5-13 | 11 | 11-21 |
Men's College Basketball News
