DENTON — Sam Houston had no answer for North Texas' long-range shooting as the Mean Green ended the Bearkats' season with a 75-55 victory in the second round of the NIT on Sunday at the Super Pit.
It was a disappointing conclusion to a historic season for the Kats (26-8), which set the record for most wins in a regular season with 24 and most road wins at 11 since moving up to the Division I level in 1986. This also marked the first time Sam Houston received an at-large berth to the NIT and only the second time the team has played in the renowned postseason event.
UNT could not miss from 3-point range from the opening tip, grabbing a 25-13 lead in the opening 12 minutes by connecting on seven baskets from behind the arc during that span. The Mean Green finished the half with 10 3-pointers to take a 38-19 lead into the break.
Outside of WAC Offensive Player of the Year
Qua Grant, the Bearkats struggled on offensively. Grant finished with a team-high 14 points.
Sam Houston shot less than 40 percent from the floor and 33 percent from long range. The Mean Green, in the meantime, shot 53 percent from the field and 55 percent from 3-point range, hitting a season-high 16.
Javion May finished with eight points,
Kian Scroggins scored seven and
Damon Nicholas Jr. and
Lamar Wilkerson each finished with six.
