The 2002 Wyndham New Orleans Bowl featured the Cincinnati Bearcats and the North Texas Mean Green.
Nick Bazaldua connected on a 30-yard field goal, before the end of the first quarter to make the score 7–3.
Cornerback Jeremy Pearl intercepted a Cincinnati pass and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown, to increase the lead to 17–7.
Johnathan Ruffin connected on two third-quarter field goals to cut the deficit to 24–13.
Franklin Calicott returned a fumble 43 yards for a touchdown with five minutes left to cut the lead to 24–19.