Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
ORLANDO, Fla. — Mason Falslev scored 28 points as Utah State beat North Texas 61-57 on Friday night to win the NIT Season Tip-Off.
Falslev had five rebounds, an assist and two steals for the Aggies (7-0). Ian Martinez shot 2 of 9 from the field, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 7 for 8 from the foul line to add 12 points.
Falslev accounted for nearly half of the team's scoring output, with his 28 points coming on 10-of-16 shooting from the floor, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range.
Falslev was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after averaging 21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game in the team's two wins. Joining him on the all-tournament team was graduate guard Dexter Akanno, who averaged 9.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest.
Akanno shot 2 of 4 from the field to finish with four points against the Mean Green (6-2).
Atin Wright finished with 17 points and two steals for North Texas, and Grant Newell added 12 points. Brenen Lorient also had eight points and three blocks.
Falslev scored 10 points in the first half and Utah State went into halftime trailing 25-23. Falslev scored 18 points down the stretch in the second half to help lead Utah State to a four-point victory.
MASON FALSLEV. FOUR-POINT PLAY.
— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) November 30, 2024
He's got a career-high 26 points!#AggiesAllTheWaypic.twitter.com/3T9GwlbJnv
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
