The UNT men's basketball team beat Oklahoma State on the road Tuesday night 61-59 to advance to the National Invitation Tournament semifinals for a second time in three years.

The Mean Green (27-8) were led in scoring Tuesday at Gallagher-Iba Arena by Atin Wright who poured in 15 points and made a crucial late 3-pointer. North Texas' defense forced 19 Cowboys (17-18) turnovers, the most they've forced an opponent into since Nov. 25.

North Texas, the 2023 NIT champions, will next head to Indianapolis on April 1 to play the semifinal game.

"We have a ton of respect for OSU and coach Lutz and knew it was going to be a physical game," said UNT head coach Ross Hodge. "They didn't want their season to end. We didn't want ours to end. And that's what we're playing for right now. A championship and a chance for another film session and another team meal. Proud of these guys and excited it's not over."

Tuesday's win was North Texas' third this year over a high major opponent. The last time they beat three high major opponents in one season was 1977. UNT's now 27 wins are the second most single season wins in program history.
The Mean Green will play the winner of UAB and UC Irvine who play their quarterfinal game Wednesday in Irvine.