DENTON, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by a singular, spectacular performance, Je’Shawn Stevenson’s career-high 29 points propelled North Texas to a dramatic 73-72 victory over Florida Atlantic in an American Athletic Conference men’s basketball thriller on Sunday afternoon at the North Texas Coliseum.

A crowd of 3,237 watched as Stevenson, a 6-foot-2 guard from Chicago, took over the contest, particularly in a decisive second half where he scored 21 of his points. His effort helped the Mean Green erase a halftime deficit and withstand a frantic final sequence to secure the win.

Florida Atlantic, the visiting Owls, controlled the opening period behind a balanced attack, taking a 34-32 lead into the break. Josiah Parker led the early charge for FAU, finishing with 18 points, while Amar Amkou provided a critical scoring punch off the bench with 14 points, all from beyond the arc. The Owls’ defense, anchored by Devin Williams’ three blocks, initially managed to contain the North Texas offense.

The narrative shifted entirely after halftime. Stevenson, who had been held to eight points in the first half, erupted. He scored North Texas’ first seven points of the second period, igniting a 13-4 run that gave the Mean Green a lead they would not relinquish. Stevenson’s scoring came from all levels—driving layups, pull-up jumpers, and a pair of crucial three-pointers. His 29-point outing continued a strong stretch of play, following 20 points against Tulane and 13 at Temple earlier in the week.

Florida Atlantic refused to fade, battling back behind the playmaking of point guard Niccolo Moretti, who dished out nine assists, and the interior presence of Williams, who added 10 points and five assists. Every time North Texas threatened to pull away, the Owls answered, often with a three-pointer from Amkou or a basket inside from Parker.

The game culminated in a tense final minute. With North Texas leading 71-69, Stevenson was fouled with 14 seconds remaining and calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to four. Florida Atlantic’s Yohann Sissoko converted a layup with 3 seconds left to cut the deficit to 73-72. On the ensuing inbounds play, the Owls forced a turnover from Moretti, giving themselves one final chance with less than a second remaining. However, Sissoko’s desperation layup attempt at the buzzer was off the mark, sealing the one-point victory for the Mean Green.

Beyond Stevenson’s heroics, North Texas received a vital all-around performance from David Terrell of Dallas, who contributed 16 points and six assists. Buddy Hammer added 10 points for the Mean Green. For Florida Atlantic, the loss overshadowed strong performances from its core, including Williams’ near double-double and Moretti’s orchestration of the offense.

The victory improved North Texas to 16-12 overall and provided a key conference win as the regular season winds down. The Mean Green overcame a halftime deficit for the second time in three games. Florida Atlantic fell to 15-13, suffering another narrow defeat in a season filled with close calls, including overtime losses to South Florida and East Carolina.

The most important part of the game was unquestionably the second-half takeover by Je’Shawn Stevenson. With his team trailing and in need of an offensive catalyst, Stevenson single-handedly changed the game’s momentum. His personal 7-0 run to open the half flipped the scoreboard and energized his team and the home crowd. His continued scoring throughout the period, including clutch free throws in the final seconds, provided just enough cushion to withstand Florida Atlantic’s persistent rallies. In a game decided by a single point, Stevenson’s 21-point second-half explosion was the definitive difference.

North Texas next travels to face Charlotte on Wednesday. Florida Atlantic returns home to host Temple on the same night.