DENTON, Texas -- Jeremy Combs scored 19 with eight rebounds and two blocked shots and Deckie Johnson added 17 points and three steals to help North Texas beat Nicholls State 78-60 Monday night.

J-Mychal Reese had 14 points and Eric Katenda 11 for North Texas (3-7).

The Mean Green used a 13-3 run to take a 15-6 lead with 14:25 left in the first half and an 11-3 spurt extended their lead to 19 points about 11 minutes later.

North Texas took a 41-22 lead into halftime and led by at least 14 throughout the second half.

T.J. Carpenter led Nicholls State (3-5) with 18 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. Ja'Dante' Frye and Luka Kamber scored 11 apiece.

North Texas outrebounded the Colonels 45-32, including 17-7 on the offensive glass, and made 22 of 30 free throws. Nicholls State made 9 of 12 from the stripe.