Morris, Hunter pace UTEP past North Texas 85-71

Jan 2, 2015, 11:04 pm

DENTON, Texas -- Earvin Morris finished with 22 points, Vince Hunter added 21 with nine rebounds and UTEP defeated North Texas 85-71 in the Conference-USA opener for both teams Friday night.

Morris hit four 3-pointers and grabbed six steals, while Hunter was 9 of 10 from the field for the Miners (9-4, 1-0). Omega Harris chipped in 12 points and Cedrick Lang had nine with 10 boards for UTEP, which shot 50.9 percent overall.

DeAndre Harris paced North Texas (6-7, 0-1) with 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting, Jordan Williams added 14 points and Colin Voss had 11 with seven rebounds. The Mean Green shot 53.2 percent, but committed 18 turnovers and sent UTEP to the free throw line 34 times.

The Miners closed the first half on a 12-0 run as Morris and C.J. Cooper each sank 3-pointers for a 44-33 halftime advantage. UTEP led comfortably the rest of the way.