Falslev scores 28 points as Utah State defeats North Texas to win NIT season tip-off

ORLANDO, Fla. – Mason Falslev scored 28 points as Utah State defeated North Texas 61-57 on Friday night to win the NIT season tip-off.

Falslev had five rebounds, one 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 shot 7 for 8 from the foul line to add 12 points.

Falslev was responsible for almost half of the team’s shots on goal. He scored his 28 points on 10 of 16 shots 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 victories. Joining him on the all-tournament team was graduate Dexter Akanno, who averaged 9.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest.

Akanno shot 2 of 4 from the field and finished with four points against the Mean Green (6-2).

Atin Wright finished the game 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 in the second half to help lead Utah State to a four-point win.

The Associated Press produced this story using technology and data from Sportradar provided by Data Skrive.