Anton Bonke’s late free throws lift Charlotte past North Texas, 80-79, at home Wednesday

A last-possession foul flipped the result in the final seconds

Charlotte edged North Texas 80-79 on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in an American Athletic Conference men’s basketball game decided at the free-throw line in the final moments. With 2.4 seconds remaining and North Texas holding a 79-78 lead, a loose-ball foul after a missed shot sent Charlotte center Anton Bonke to the stripe. Bonke converted both attempts, putting Charlotte in front for good.

The finish capped a game in which neither side separated on the scoreboard for long. Charlotte led 38-36 at halftime and finished the night at 15-13 overall and 9-6 in conference play, while North Texas fell to 16-13 and 7-9 in the AAC.

North Texas’ perimeter efficiency kept the Mean Green within a possession

North Texas received a career-best scoring performance from sophomore Reece Robinson, who totaled 23 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Robinson was perfect from three-point range (4-of-4) and also made all three of his free throws.

Two other Mean Green players reached double figures: David Terrell Jr. scored 18 points while Je’Shawn Stevenson added 16. Collectively, the trio accounted for 57 of North Texas’ 79 points, and their efficiency helped offset a narrow margin in a game that turned on a single late whistle.

• Reece Robinson: 23 points, 8-of-10 shooting, 4-of-4 from three
• David Terrell Jr.: 18 points
• Je’Shawn Stevenson: 16 points

Stat profile: contrasting strengths, similar margins

Team statistics underscored how close the contest remained across 40 minutes. North Texas and Charlotte finished even on the glass (26 rebounds each). North Texas took better care of the ball (six turnovers to Charlotte’s 13), but Charlotte produced a higher overall shooting percentage for the game.

North Texas’ three-point volume was a defining factor, as the Mean Green made 11 threes, their highest total in a conference game this season. At the line, however, Charlotte held a clear advantage in efficiency.

With the game in the balance, Bonke’s two free throws in the final 2.4 seconds provided the deciding points.

What the result means heading into the stretch run

The win strengthened Charlotte’s positioning in the AAC standings by moving the 49ers to 9-6 in league play, while North Texas slipped to 7-9. For the Mean Green, the loss came despite a high-efficiency shooting night from Robinson and double-figure production from multiple starters.

North Texas is scheduled to continue its road swing Sunday with a morning tip at UAB, the team’s final road game of the regular season.