Memphis Tigers Defeat North Texas Mean Green in Close Conference Matchup

Tigers win 74-69 in a tight game between AAC rivals

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Memphis Tigers defeated the North Texas Mean Green 74-69 in a close American Athletic Conference matchup on Thursday night at The Super Pit in Denton, Texas. The Tigers, led by strong performances from F Aaron Bradshaw and G Julius Thedford, improved to 13-11 overall and 8-4 in conference play. North Texas, despite a solid effort from G Cole Franklin and F Dylan Arnett, fell to 13-12 on the season and 4-8 in AAC play.

Why it matters

This was an important conference game for both teams as they jockey for position in the AAC standings. Memphis is looking to solidify its standing near the top of the conference, while North Texas is trying to climb back into the mix after a rough start to league play. The outcome of this game could have implications for the teams' postseason aspirations.

The details

Memphis was able to pull out the victory thanks to a balanced scoring attack and strong defense. Bradshaw led the way with 16 points, while Thedford posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. North Texas was paced by Franklin's 21 points and Arnett's double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, but the Mean Green couldn't overcome Memphis' stifling defense down the stretch.

  • The teams previously met on New Year's Eve in Memphis, with the Tigers winning 57-48.
  • North Texas won the only previous meeting between the teams in Denton on Feb. 15, 2024.

The players

Aaron Bradshaw

A forward for the Memphis Tigers who finished with 16 points in the win.

Julius Thedford

A guard for the Memphis Tigers who recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Cole Franklin

A guard for the North Texas Mean Green who led his team with 21 points in the loss.

Dylan Arnett

A forward for the North Texas Mean Green who posted a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against a good North Texas team, but our guys stepped up and made the plays we needed to get the win.”

— Penny Hardaway, Head Coach, Memphis Tigers (Memphis Commercial Appeal)

“We fought hard, but just couldn't quite get over the hump against a talented Memphis squad. We'll go back, watch the film, and look to bounce back in our next game.”

— Grant McCasland, Head Coach, North Texas Mean Green (Denton Record-Chronicle)

What’s next

The Tigers will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a top spot in the AAC standings, while the Mean Green will try to regroup and get back on track in their next conference matchup.

The takeaway

This was a hard-fought conference battle between two teams looking to make their mark in the AAC. Memphis was able to pull out the victory with a balanced effort, but North Texas showed it can compete with the league's top teams and will look to learn from this experience as it aims to climb the standings in the second half of the season.