North Texas Mean Green Struggle Against Memphis Tigers in NCAAM Matchup

Memphis Tigers favored by 1.5 points in Thursday night college basketball game

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The North Texas Mean Green will host the Memphis Tigers in an American Conference college basketball matchup on Thursday night. Memphis is listed as 1.5-point favorites with the total set at 137.5 points. North Texas has struggled in conference play so far this season, while Memphis has found more success despite a tough non-conference schedule.

Why it matters

This game is an important conference matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions. North Texas has been one of the worst offensive teams in the country, while Memphis is looking to build momentum heading into the conference tournament with a win on the road.

The details

North Texas has had a rough time in conference play, going just 1-4 in the American so far. They rank 298th in the country in offensive rating and struggle to score, averaging just 70.6 points per game. However, the Mean Green have been strong defensively, ranking 41st in the nation in defensive rating. Memphis, on the other hand, had a tough non-conference schedule but has found more success in conference play, going 7-4 so far. The Tigers rank 31st in the country in defensive rating and will look to push the pace against the slow-tempo Mean Green.

  • The game tips off at 9:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 12, 2026 in Denton, Texas.

The players

North Texas Mean Green

The North Texas basketball team, representing the University of North Texas, is struggling in conference play this season after a decent non-conference campaign.

Memphis Tigers

The Memphis Tigers basketball team, representing the University of Memphis, is looking to build momentum heading into the conference tournament after a tough non-conference schedule.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“North Texas is great on the defensive end of the floor, but so is Memphis. North Texas plays incredibly slow basketball, ranking 314th in the nation in tempo. The Mean Green will walk the ball up the floor and get it to a half-court set, using up the shot clock, trying to get the best possible look. Unfortunately, they just don't have players with the scoring ability to create anything off the bounce.”

— Blake Krass, Sports Writer (draftkings.com)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a step closer to securing a spot in the American Conference tournament, with the potential to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This game highlights the contrasting styles of the two teams, with North Texas relying on its stifling defense to try and slow down the more up-tempo Memphis squad. The outcome could come down to which team is able to impose its preferred pace of play.