Can the Mean Green's Home Court Advantage Tilt the Scales Against Shockers?
In a closely contested game at UNT Coliseum, the North Texas Mean Green edged out a victory over the Wichita State Shockers with a final score of 72-68. The Mean Green's season record now stands at an impressive 15-5, while this result leaves the Shockers with a tally of 9-11.
The North Texas Mean Green showcased resilience and strategic execution on their home court. The game was marked by several lead changes, six in total, and was tied four times, indicating how competitive the match-up was. The Mean Green's performance in the fourth quarter was particularly decisive; they scored 30 points during this period which proved to be pivotal for their triumph.
North Texas excelled in various statistical categories that contributed to their success. They shot an impressive 60 percent from two-point range and 48 percent overall from the field. Their free throw accuracy stood at a solid 72 percent which helped them maintain their narrow lead as pressure mounted towards game end.
The team also dominated inside, scoring 38 points in paint compared to Wichita State's 26. This inside presence was bolstered by North Texas' superior rebounding; they pulled down a total of 41 rebounds—32 personal and nine team rebounds—which included securing five offensive boards that led to eight second-chance points.
Defensively, North Texas made it difficult for Wichita State throughout the contest. They recorded four steals and two blocks while committing only two team turnovers themselves—a testament to their disciplined play and focus on maintaining possession.
On offense, assists were key for North Texas as they distributed well among teammates leading to high-percentage shots; they tallied up an impressive count of fifteen assists with an assist-to-turnover ratio of exactly one.
Wichita State put up a valiant effort despite falling short against North Texas' strong finish. They managed to convert nine three-point shots at an efficient rate of forty-three percent from beyond the arc but struggled with free throws making only fifty-eight percent of them which could have been crucial down the stretch.
The Shockers were aggressive on defense as evidenced by seven steals but couldn't capitalize fully on these opportunities as reflected by scoring twenty points off turnovers compared to fourteen by North Texas.
Looking ahead after this hard-fought victory, fans can look forward to seeing if North Texas can carry forward its momentum when they face SMU Mustangs away at Moody Coliseum in Dallas on January 17th at 7:00 PM Central Time Zone (CT). Supporters unable or preferring not to attend can catch all action live where it will be broadcasted for fans' viewing pleasure.