Troy hasn’t changed much from past seasons in just about any aspect but one.

The Trojans still lead the Sun Belt Conference in 3-point baskets made per game and are at the top of the league in scoring again.

The difference is this season all those points and long-distance shots are turning into wins. Troy is a mediocre 11-10 overall, but is tied for second place in the Sun Belt’s East Division at 6-3 heading into a game against North Texas at the Super Pit tonight.

“What is very impressive is that they have won several road games,” UNT head coach Johnny Jones. “When you can go to South Alabama and win by 24 and then go and beat Arkansas-Little Rock on its floor, it says a lot. They have always been good and talented, but they are also very confident right now.”

Troy beat perennial Sun Belt power USA 94-70, edged Sun Belt West Division leader UALR 63-58 and has won its last four games.

The Trojans’ streak has set up a showdown between two of the hottest teams in the Sun Belt tonight. UNT (12-7, 5-3) is also on a four-game winning streak and is making a late run at the Sun Belt West Division title.

“We have played well at times, but we have not shown how good we can be yet,” UNT junior guard Dominique Johnson said. “We haven’t played our best game.”

Tonight would be a good time for UNT to hit its peak while trying to contain Troy and its plethora of 3-point shooters.

The Trojans lead the Sun Belt with an average of 9.24 3-point baskets a game, which is a big reason Troy can match its win total from last season tonight. The Trojans finished 12-19 last year.

Troy junior guard Brandon Hazzard ranks seventh in the Sun Belt with an average of 2.33 3-point baskets made per game and also ranks eight in 3-point shooting at 41.5 percent. Fellow junior guard Michael Vogler ranks fifth at 42.2 percent.

While other teams in the Sun Belt have players who shoot a higher percentage or make more 3-pointers per game, Troy puts five players on the floor who are a threat to hit a 3-pointer at any time.

“They are a transition team that likes to shoot the ball quick,” UNT sophomore guard Josh White said. “All of their guys can shoot the ball, one through five. We have to get back and play good transition defense.”

Troy leads the Sun Belt with an average of 77.7 points a game, but UNT is right behind at 76.9 points a game. The teams also rank 12th and 13th in the league in scoring defense.

UNT has the edge in that category, with 76.1 points allowed a game to 79.0.

Both teams feature a balanced scoring attack. UNT has four players averaging double figures led by sophomore guard Tristan Thompson at 12.1 points a game, while junior guard Richard Delk leads three Troy players averaging double figures at 14.0 points a game.

“It will be a high-scoring affair because both teams enjoy getting up and down the floor,” Jones said. “The players enjoy it and the fans love it. As a coach, I enjoy that style of play as well.”

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com .

North Texas and Troy are the top two offensive teams in the Sun Belt.
The following is a comparison:

UNT	Category	Troy
76.9	Scoring	77.7
6.74	3-pointers per game	9.24
35.3	3-point shooting percentage	34.7
76.1	Points allowed per game	79.0