Memphis is gearing up as the UNT men’s basketball team kicks off conference play. The Mean Green will face the reigning American Conference champions, the Memphis Tigers, this Wednesday at 3 p.m. CT. You can catch the game live via the Mean Green Sports Network on KHYI 95.3 FM or ESPN2.
This matchup will be the 26th between the two teams. Although they have split their last two games, Memphis leads the series overall with 18 wins to 7 losses. The Mean Green will be looking for their first road victory against Memphis since January 1970.
After this important game, UNT will return to the Super Pit to host Tulsa and continue their home games.
One notable aspect of UNT’s season has been the number of close games. The Mean Green have played six matches decided by three points or less, more than any other team in the nation. Their record in these nail-biters stands at 4-2, showcasing their resilience.
Freshman guard EJ Horton is making waves, having just been named the American Conference Freshman of the Week. He scored a season-high 12 points and added three assists in a dominant 109-56 victory. Horton even made it to SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays with an impressive dunk. Notably, he’s the first UNT freshman to win this honor in the American Conference.
Another player to watch is Dylan Arnett, who stands out in the American Conference. He’s the only player averaging over 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, and 1 steal per game—all impressive numbers that speak to his versatility.
Sophomore guard Je’Shawn Stevenson also had an impressive non-conference season, scoring 209 points. He’s the first UNT player to surpass 200 points in non-conference play since 2017. Stevenson’s achievements place him among the top scorers in the conference and highlight his potential moving forward.
Interestingly, UNT’s defense has performed better on the road compared to home games. They allow 0.957 points per possession in road games, ranking them 24th nationally for defensive efficiency. This is a surprising turn, considering many teams typically struggle away from home. Their ability to limit opponents’ shooting percentages underscores their defensive strength.
As the season unfolds, these performances and trends will be essential for UNT’s success in the conference. It’s a thrilling time for the Mean Green, and fans are eager to see how they’ll perform against formidable opponents.
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