North Texas defeated Florida Atlantic 74-70 in the second round of the 2026 American Men’s Basketball Championship on Thursday evening at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
North Texas Advances to Face Tulsa
With the victory, North Texas (19-13) will move on to face No. 3 Tulsa in the quarterfinals on Friday at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Free Throws Prove Decisive
The Mean Green established an early lead, in part by frequently visiting the free throw line. North Texas was awarded 22 free throw attempts in the first half, building a 34-30 advantage. Bud Hammer Jr. Led the team at the break, converting 6 of 9 free throws.
Free throws continued to be a significant factor throughout the game, with the two teams combining for 45 attempts in the second half. Florida Atlantic narrowed the gap to three points with just three seconds remaining, but a final free throw by North Texas secured the win.
Key Performances
Je’Shawn Stevenson led North Texas with 24 points, shooting 8-for-15 from the field. Bud Hammer Jr. Contributed 12 points, while David Terrell Jr. Added 11. For Florida Atlantic, Isaiah Elohim led all scorers with 20 points, shooting 8-for-11 from the free throw line. Amar Amkou added 13 points for the Owls, converting 7 of 9 free throws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was North Texas 74, Florida Atlantic 70.
Who will North Texas play next?
North Texas will play No. 3 Tulsa in the quarterfinals on Friday.
When and where will the next game be played?
The game will be played on Friday at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
With North Texas advancing, what adjustments do you anticipate both teams making as they prepare for Friday’s quarterfinal matchup?
