Box Score After two weeks of slow-starts, poor shooting, and moments of downright lethargic play, members of the University of North Texas at Dallas men's basketball team got an earful from head coach Josh Howard.

When they faced Southwestern Adventist, he explained in no uncertain terms, he wanted them to come out of the gate in high gear, be aggressive on both ends of the court, and not even think of taking their feet off the gas.

Tuesday evening (Nov. 9), at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship's Kingdom Academy gym, he got what he asked for. Boy, did he ever. It was like Christmas in November.

Registering its first victory of the new season, UNTD (1-2) blew past 1-2 Southwestern Adventist, 108-57, with a high energy, up-tempo style of play. Six players scoring in double figures. A 67.2 percent shooting percentage. A 38-22 edge over the visiting Knights in rebounding. 

One could see what was coming early as the fast-paced Trailblazers quickly jumped into a 12-0 advantage in the first three minutes. By halftime, the led was, 59-24, and by early in the second half, Howard began emptying his bench.

Donovan Deal led UNTD with 15 points (and nine rebounds),while Trevon Stewart scored 13.  Desmond Vaughn and Rodrick Gainers each contributed 11 and Steven Kimberling and Vernon Johnson rounded out the double-figure scoring with 10 each.

For the record it was the second year Trailblazers' largest point total and widest margin of victory to date. And the 83.3 shooting percent in the first half, compared to 27.3 for the Knights, has to be uunprecidented.

"I really liked the energy tonight," Howard said. "The fast start meant a lot. I told our guys that I wanted it to be their coach calling the first time out. And that's what happened.  

"Tonight showed what we can do when we buy into the system we're developing. I was pleased that everyone got the opportunity to play -- and that no one worried about the minutes (of playing time} he was getting.


"The potential is there," he said, "Tonight we demonstrated that."