DENTON, Texas — The North Texas men's basketball team advanced to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) with a decisive 75-64 win over Furman on March 19, 2025, at the UNT Coliseum. This victory marked a significant achievement for the Mean Green, who improved their record to 25-8 this season.
Leading the charge for North Texas was senior point guard Jasper Floyd, who not only scored a game-high 19 points but also contributed with seven assists and six rebounds. Floyd expressed his determination, stating, "I didn't want tonight to be the last time I played with these guys," highlighting the emotional significance of the game for him and his teammates.
Furman, entering the game with a 25-9 record and as a formidable opponent in the NIT, managed to take a slim 34-32 lead at halftime. However, the second half saw the Mean Green dominate, outscoring the Paladins 43-30, which solidified their path to victory. Fellow senior Atin Wright added 18 points, with 15 of those scored in the intense second half, showcasing his reliability in clutch situations.
Rubbernecking at the other end of the court, Furman's leading scorer, Eddrin Bronson, contributed 15 points, but their offense struggled to maintain consistent momentum against a robust North Texas defense. The Mean Green managed to suppress Furman’s top scorer, Pjay Smith, limiting him to just seven points—a stark contrast to the 24 points he accrued in previous games. Smith tallied three points in a last-second heave, further illustrating the tough battle Furman faced.
During the game, North Texas set the tone early in the second half with a powerful 13-2 run, taking a significant lead that proved insurmountable for Furman. The contributions didn't stop with the leading duo; Moulaye Sissoko also made an impact with 11 points and six rebounds, adding depth to the team's performance.
The win not only signifies advancement in the NIT but also marks a historic season for the Mean Green. With this victory, they now have 25 wins, tying for the second-most victories in a single season in the program's history. This victory also extends their current streak of securing at least one win in national postseason tournaments to five consecutive years, a testament to their growing competitiveness.
As for Furman, this loss brings an end to their season at 25-10. This was their third appearance in the NIT, following previous exits in 1991 and 2019. With the foundations set for future growth, Furman can take insights from this season's performance into the next.
Looking ahead, North Texas will take on Arkansas State in the second round on March 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. Central Time at the Super Pit. Arkansas State emerged victorious in their first-round game, defeating Saint Louis 103-78. The game promises to be an exciting showdown as North Texas looks to continue their winning momentum and edge closer to potential postseason glory.
For fans eager to secure their place in the stands, tickets for the upcoming game can be purchased through the Mean Green Ticket Office or online. The continued support from the local community has been instrumental in the team's success, setting an electrifying atmosphere for their postseason journey.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on North Texas as they aim for a deeper run and perhaps another NIT championship, building on their successful foundation laid this season.
