- Atin Wright scores 24 points with perfect free-throw shooting
- North Texas extends winning streak to eight games with dominant second-half surge
- Tulsa’s season ends despite Keaston Willis’ 20-point effort
Second-seeded North Texas delivered a commanding performance against tenth-seeded Tulsa in the American Athletic Conference tournament quarterfinals, securing a 77-59 victory at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. The Mean Green’s eighth consecutive win propels them closer to an NCAA Tournament bid, fueled by Atin Wright’s game-high 24 points and clinical execution down the stretch.
Wright showcased offensive versatility, converting seven field goals including three from beyond the arc while maintaining a flawless 7/7 record at the free-throw line. The junior guard’s 12-point first half kept North Texas competitive before the team unleashed a decisive 16-2 run after halftime. Jasper Floyd complemented Wright’s performance with 11 points and five assists, demonstrating exceptional efficiency by making 60% of his field goal attempts.
The Mean Green’s defensive intensity proved pivotal, holding Tulsa to 36.2% field goal shooting while forcing 14 turnovers. North Texas capitalized on these opportunities, scoring 18 points off turnovers compared to Tulsa’s six. This defensive prowess aligns with their season-long identity as one of the AAC’s top defensive units, ranking second in points allowed per game.
Regional basketball analysts highlight North Texas’s growing reputation as Texas’ most consistent mid-major program. Unlike SMU’s recent struggles in conference tournaments or UTSA’s rebuilding phase, the Mean Green have now reached three consecutive AAC semifinals. Their 24-7 record matches the program’s second-best win total since transitioning to Division I in 1995.
Tulsa’s Keaston Willis delivered a valiant 20-point effort in his final collegiate game, but the Golden Hurricane couldn’t overcome North Texas’ depth. The Mean Green bench outscored Tulsa’s reserves 22-8, with freshman Brenen Lorient contributing 10 points. This victory sets up a potential clash with UAB, a team North Texas defeated 72-60 during their regular season meeting.
With Selection Sunday approaching, bracketologists project North Texas as a potential 12-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Their combination of veteran leadership – four senior starters – and defensive discipline makes them a dangerous matchup for power conference opponents. The Mean Green’s +6.8 rebounding margin against AAC opponents could prove crucial in tournament play.
As conference realignment reshapes Texas basketball landscapes, North Texas continues building momentum. Athletic director Jared Mosley recently announced facility upgrades, including a new basketball performance center scheduled for completion in 2025. These investments position the program to compete nationally while maintaining their identity as a defensively oriented, physically tough squad.