No. 19 Middle Tennessee 70, North Texas 56

1/24/2007 9:37 PM

DENTON, Texas (AP) -Chrissy Givens scored 26 points to lead No. 19 Middle Tennessee past North Texas 70-56 Wednesday night for its 15th straight victory.

Amber Jackson had a career-high 21 points and 12 rebounds for North Texas (5-13, 2-6). Jo Hall tied a career-high with 17 points, 13 in the second half.

Givens scored five points early in the second half to help the Blue Raiders (18-3, 10-0 Sun Belt) pull away after holding a one-point halftime lead.

Givens scored Middle Tennessee's first six points of the game and Jackson had the first seven for North Texas.

Middle Tennessee went on a 10-run to take a 21-11 lead. After Givens went out with her third foul, UNT pulled within 32-31 at halftime. Givens and Jackson each finished the half with 15 points.

Givens, Johnna Abney and Amber Holt made four 3-pointers during an 18-2 run that opened the second half and put the Raiders ahead 50-33.

Middle Tennessee's pressing defense led to 23 turnovers by the Mean Green. Givens and Holt had four steals apiece.