March Madness Shocks: North Texas Pulls Off Upset Win Over Wichita State

The 2023 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament has been full of surprises, and the latest game between North Texas and Wichita State was no exception. The Mean Green edged out the Shockers 68-66 in a thrilling matchup on March 3, sending shockwaves through the college basketball world. As one of the most anticipated games of the first round, this contest lived up to its hype, with both teams giving it their all in a back-and-forth battle that will be remembered for years to come.

The North Texas Mustangs, led by head coach Grant McCasland, were looking to make a statement in their tournament debut. After a strong regular season, the team had been expected to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Wichita State, on the other hand, was considered one of the top seeds in the field, boasting a strong resume and a talented roster. The Shockers were eager to make a statement and prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

As the game got underway, it was clear that both teams were hungry for a win. The Mean Green came out strong, with senior guard Javares Paul Jr. leading the charge. Paul Jr. was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 19 points and dishing out 7 assists in the team's 68-66 victory.

Game Summary

Box Score Breakdown

• North Texas: 68
• Wichita State: 66
• FG%: North Texas 44.7%, Wichita State 44.4%
• 3PT%: North Texas 38.5%, Wichita State 35.7%
• Rebounds: North Texas 34, Wichita State 30
• Turnovers: North Texas 11, Wichita State 13

Key Stats and Trends

• North Texas shot 44.7% from the field, while Wichita State shot 44.4%
• The Mean Green outrebounded the Shockers 34-30, but committed 11 turnovers to Wichita State's 13
• Javares Paul Jr. led the team in scoring and assists, with 19 points and 7 dimes

Coaching Strategies

North Texas head coach Grant McCasland made several key adjustments during the game, including switching to a more aggressive defense and playing to the strengths of his team. "We knew Wichita State was a talented team, but we also knew we had the skill and athleticism to compete with them," McCasland said in the post-game press conference. "We made some adjustments at halftime and it paid off in the end."

Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall also made several adjustments, including substituting in more defensive players and mixing up his lineup. "We knew North Texas was a strong team, and we had to make some adjustments to keep up with them," Marshall said. "Unfortunately, it just didn't work out in our favor tonight."

Game Highlights

Upset of the Tournament

The win over Wichita State marked the third time in NCAA Tournament history that a 10-seed team has beaten a 7-seed team. The Mean Green join a exclusive list of teams that have pulled off the upset, including Villanova in 2016 and Tennessee in 2015.

Big Moments

• With the score tied at 64-64 and just 30 seconds remaining, North Texas point guard Josean Smith Jr. sank a three-pointer to put the Mean Green up by two.
• Wichita State forward Tyson Etienne responded with a layup to cut the lead to one, setting up a thrilling final minute of play.
• North Texas center DJ Williams Jr. sealed the win with a pair of free throws, cementing the Mean Green's 68-66 victory.

Season Impact

The win over Wichita State has significant implications for the North Texas season. The team moves on to the next round of the tournament, where they will face the winner of the South Dakota State vs. Marquette game. The win also boosts the Mean Green's confidence, setting them up for a deep run in the tournament.

Reaction and Analysis

Reaction from the Teams

• North Texas: "We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we believed in ourselves and our team. We played hard and made the plays when it mattered most." - Javares Paul Jr.
• Wichita State: "We just couldn't get the shot to go. We had some opportunities, but it didn't fall for us. We'll learn from this and move on."

Reaction from the Fans

• North Texas fans took to social media to celebrate the win, with many using the hashtag #GoMeanGreen to express their excitement.
• Wichita State fans, on the other hand, were left disappointed but still proud of their team's effort.

Analysis from the Experts

• "North Texas played a great game, using their speed and athleticism to outmaneuver Wichita State. The win is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication." - ESPN Analyst Jay Bilas
• "Wichita State had a great season, but they just came up short. They'll regroup and come back stronger next year." - CBS Sports Analyst Seth Greenberg