UC Irvine Advances to NIT Finals with Narrow Win Over North Texas
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – April 1: The UC Irvine Anteaters triumphed over the North Texas Mean Green with a score of 69-67 during a thrilling semifinal clash in the Men’s National Invitation Tournament (NIT) held at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Game Highlights
In a closely contested matchup, Devin Tillis emerged as a key player for UC Irvine, recording a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Anteaters, as they set a new program record with 32 wins this season.
Crucial Moments
The game became increasingly tense towards its conclusion. Bent Leuchten sealed the lead for UC Irvine by sinking two free throws with just six seconds remaining, bringing the score to 69-64. Despite North Texas managing a 3-pointer at the buzzer, it was insufficient to change the outcome.
- Bent Leuchten: 14 points, 9 rebounds
- Justin Hohn: 12 points (4 for 9 shooting, including 3 for 6 from beyond the arc)
North Texas Performance
The Mean Green were led by Atin Wright, who netted 25 points, contributing significantly to his team’s efforts. North Texas also saw Jasper Floyd add 16 points, while Brenen Lorient had a solid presence on the court with 7 points and 6 rebounds.
Halftime Analysis
The teams entered halftime deadlocked at 30 points each. Tillis played a pivotal role in the first half, contributing 12 points to keep the Anteaters competitive. It wasn’t until the final minutes of the second half that UC Irvine pulled ahead, resulting in an exhilarating finish.
Looking Forward
With this victory, UC Irvine not only advances to the finals of the NIT but also solidifies its place in the historical records of the program. Their record-setting season showcases their impressive performance and determination.
Conclusion
The Anteaters will now prepare for the championship game as they aim to cap off their remarkable season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this team’s hard work will culminate in the upcoming final match.
