North Texas’ late scoring surge seals 76-69 home win over Memphis in AAC matchup
Mean Green turn a tight game into a seven-point win in Denton
North Texas closed Thursday night with a decisive finishing stretch to defeat Memphis 76-69 at the Super Pit, a result that tightened the teams’ positions in the American Athletic Conference race. The Mean Green improved to 14-11 overall and 5-7 in league play, while the Tigers fell to 12-12 overall and 7-5 in conference.
The matchup was close throughout the first half. North Texas carried a 33-32 lead into intermission after a period defined by frequent changes of possession and limited separation on the scoreboard. Memphis kept pace with inside scoring and transition opportunities, but North Texas stayed in front behind steady free-throw production and defensive activity that disrupted the Tigers’ rhythm.
Free throws, turnovers and extra possessions shaped the outcome
The most consequential statistical gap came at the foul line. North Texas attempted 41 free throws and made 31, while Memphis went 13-of-15. That disparity was reflected in the pace of the second half, when North Texas repeatedly got to the stripe to stabilize its lead during Memphis rallies.
Turnovers also played a central role. Memphis committed 16, and North Texas converted those mistakes into 28 points. The Mean Green’s pressure generated 11 steals, helping them create additional possessions in a game where both teams were efficient from the field (North Texas 45%, Memphis 43%).
On the glass, North Texas finished with a 36-30 rebounding edge, including 13 offensive rebounds. Those second-chance opportunities helped offset the Mean Green’s lower three-point accuracy (3-of-15) and limited assist total (six), underscoring how physical possessions and free throws became the foundation of the win.
Key performers and how the closing stretch unfolded
Je’Shawn Stevenson led North Texas with 16 points, adding a perfect 5-for-5 night at the free-throw line. David Terrell Jr. scored 14 points and went 8-of-10 from the stripe, while Reece Robinson added 12 points and provided an early scoring lift as North Texas built its halftime edge.
Memphis was led by Sincere Parker with 20 points, with 18 coming after halftime as the Tigers pushed to regain control late. Julius Thedford scored 12 and Zachary Davis added 10, giving Memphis three double-figure scorers.
Final score: North Texas 76, Memphis 69
Halftime: North Texas 33, Memphis 32
Free throws: North Texas 31-of-41; Memphis 13-of-15
Points off turnovers: North Texas 28; Memphis 17
North Texas’ ability to generate points at the line and capitalize on turnovers proved decisive in the final minutes.
For Memphis, the loss marked a missed opportunity to further strengthen its conference position. For North Texas, the win provided a notable result against an upper-half league opponent, built on late-game execution, defensive pressure and sustained trips to the foul line.