DENTON, TEXAS – For the first time in the program's history, the University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team will be playing an NCAA Division I program when they travel to University of North Texas on Tuesday night for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off at The Super Pit.

The Cardinals have opened the season with five consecutive wins, but the Mean Green (3-3) will provide the stiffest competition of the season to date.  UIW enters the contest averaging 86.6 points per game and allowing only 73.4 per game.  They are ranked first or second in the Southland Conference in scoring margin (+13.4), field goal percentage (48.8%), 3-point field goal percentage (46.0%), field goal percentage defense (38.3%), rebounds per game (46.8), rebounding margin (+12.6), assists per game (16.6), offensive rebounds per game (14.6), defensive rebounds per game (32.2), 3-pointer made per game (10.4) and offensive rebound percentage (40.3%).

The Cardinals feature four players scoring in double figures with junior guard Denzel Livingson (Houston/Waltrip HS) leading the way with 19.2 points per game.  Kyle Hittle (New Braunfels/New Braunfels HS), a sophomore guard, chips in with 16.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.  Senior center Ian Markolf (San Antonio/Churchill HS) is nearly averaging a double-double with 10.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

The Mean Green, a member of Conference USA, average 77.5 points per game this year and have a win over Nicholls State of the Southland Conference.  North Texas and UIW have each played Northwood University this year.  The Cardinals won twice against the Knights by an average of 14.0 points per game and the Mean Green took a 72-67 decision in their season opener.  Alzee Williams led UNT with 16.3 points per game and they also have four players averaging in double figures.  Jordan Williams contributes 10.7 points and a team high 6.2 rebounds per game.

Live stats, video and audio will be provided by UNT and can be accessed through the UIW athletics website at www.uiwcardinals.com and clicking on the desired link on the schedule.
####
pr13592smm