Quick Reaction: MBB 72 Tulsa 67
Highest win over NET team (38) since NCAA Tourney win over Purdue
That’s a big win. The final graphic said it was the highest NET win since the 2021 Purdue first rounder in the Tournament. Tulsa was ranked 38th in NET and had lost only once. North Texas gummed up the works, put the clamps on a high-scoring offense and sprinkled in some threes to win the game.
The defense was on-brand, but the threes and FTs down the stretch were against type. They were good surprises. North Texas shot eight-of-nineteen from distance, and killed the game with clutch free throws. Also clutch? one Je’Shawn Stevenson who had 9 big points in the last five minutes from the field, and also a couple of free throws to boot. He also fired in a dime on a roll to Arnett which served as NT’s last field goal made before it became a free throw contest.
Some quick thoughts:
1. Team Shooting Was Great
Mean Green hovered around 50% shooting for most of the game. In a season where offense has been scarce, it was nice to see some wide open looks dropping. Cahmai Crosby had an early three, and Buddy Hammer made a couple of shots in rhythm. There was also an appearance from Demarion Watson who hit a three and had an assist to go with five rebounds in his 13 minutes.
2. Final Five Minutes Were Good - Stevenson Was Great
In winning time, Stevenson took over, scoring 11 points and dishing out an assist. He finished with 21 points 3 rebounds and 3 assists. It was the ideal kind of game, given that the squad was able to generate buckets without him. They gave him a lead, and then got out of the way. He delivered big buckets when it mattered. '
If NT is going to do anything this season, it rests on his shoulders. He’s young, but has nice range and can score at all three levels. He probably doesn’t have a full 40-minutes of chucking in him, but he can get you 20. Saving it for winning time is fine, if the team can generate enough offense on the regular to make it so.
3. North Texas Defense Looks Mean (and Green)
Tulsa had a high flying offense, and just about the best in the league. Memphis has the best offensive rating and NT held them to 57-points. The defense gives this team a chance. Here’s hoping the offense will continue to improve as everyone gels together and the rhythm of league play. If that happens? Well anything can happen. Right now, we can simply enjoy this nice win.
Next up: South Florida on Wednesday at the Pit