Mean Green Advance To C-USA Semis

FRISCO, Texas – Abou Ousmane scored 16 points with eight rebounds and three blocks while Thomas Bell added 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists as North Texas men's basketball sprinted to a 68-50 win over Rice Thursday night in the Conference USA quarterfinals at The Star.

"It was a good team win, " said Ousmane. "We attacked the paint really well to start the game and played locked down defense. I'm proud of everyone one in the locker room and excited to play again tomorrow."

Tylor Perry had 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting from outside and Mardrez McBride scored 13 points in the win.

With the win, UNT (24-5) not only advances to the semifinal round but they tie the school record for single-season victories with 24. The Mean Green have won 22 of its last 24 games, and have now reached the C-USA semifinals for the second straight season after winning the tournament in 2021.

"The start was huge for us," Ousmane said. "To get out in front of them was big."

Rice (15-16) trailed by as many as 26 in the second half.

The Mean Green totaled 15 offensive rebounds on the night and scored 18 second-chance points.

Perry's third 3-pointer of the game capped a 17-2 run and made the score 33-11 with 3:53 left in the first half. UNT converted its first nine baskets from inside the arc and out-scored Rice 22-2 in the paint before halftime.

North Texas held the Owls to 33 percent shooting (6-for-20) in the first half and took a 35-17 lead into the half. Bell and Ousmane combined to shoot 12-for-14 for the field and score 24 points before the break. The Mean Green finished the game with 34 points in the paint.

Mylyjael Poteat and Terrance McBride each scored 10 points to pace the Owls.

UNT advances to face LA Tech Friday at 11:30 am with a spot in the final on the line. Friday's game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and the Mean Green Sports Network on The Varsity App.