Late Rally Leads Tulsa to Nail-Biting 88-87 Win in Mayor’s Cup

Wednesday, November 12

Tulsa, Okla.

7 p.m.

Tulsa

3-0,0-0American

Oral Roberts

1-2,0-0Summit League

Tulsa

Oral Roberts

Miles Barnstable posturizes a defender in the Mayor's Cup

Late Rally Leads Tulsa to Nail-Biting 88-87 Win in Mayor’s Cup

11/12/2025 11:27:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

TULSA, OKLA. — Tulsa edged Oral Roberts University, 88-87, in an instant classic at the Mabee Center, thanks to a late free throw in the final second by Tylen Riley. The game saw 19 lead changes and 15 ties, while the Golden Hurricane never led by more than three points all night. The win marked the second straight year the Golden Hurricane won the Mayor's Cup.

Miles Barnstable scored 21 points, converting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and all seven free-throw attempts, while also collecting six rebounds. David Green matched Barnstable with 21 points, making 7-of-13 field goals and adding seven rebounds to lead the team on the boards. Tylen Riley contributed 16 points, converting 9-of-10 free throws, and recorded four rebounds. Romad Dean added a defensive presence with two blocks and collected four rebounds.

The first half began with Tulsa (3-0) and the Golden Eagles (1-2) exchanging three-pointers, setting a competitive tone early. Tulsa's offensive efforts were highlighted by Barnstable's three successful three-pointers and Ade Popoola's contributions from beyond the arc, keeping the score tight with Oral Roberts.

Green's jumper at the 1:30 mark briefly put Tulsa ahead, but a late surge by Oral Roberts in the final minute, including a quick layup, shifted the lead. The half ended with Tulsa trailing narrowly at 49-45.

Tulsa opened the second half by capitalizing on free throws to narrow the gap, with Barnstable making three consecutive shots from the line. A series of defensive rebounds and a layup from Green, assisted by Popoola, helped Tulsa briefly reclaim the lead. The Hurricane maintained pressure with Dean's dunk, holding a slim margin at 16:34.

The teams exchanged leads throughout the half, with Tulsa responding to each Golden Eagles basket. Notably, Riley's free throws at 15:31 put Tulsa ahead, while Ian Smikle's layup at 8:24 kept the scores close. A key defensive play by Barnstable, followed by his free throws at 9:00, allowed Tulsa to regain the advantage.

Green's free throws tied the game at 85-85 with 2:01 remaining. Tulsa then took the lead with a jumper from Green at 1:19, but ORU tied it on the following possession to even things at 87. After stops on the defensive end by both sides, Tulsa had possession with a chance for the final shot. Riley drove and was able to draw the foul with 1.0 seconds remaining. The junior calmly drained the first before intentionally missing the second to seal the thrilling win.

Tulsa hits the road to head north to take on Kansas State in Manhattan with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, November 17.

Single Game Tickets on Sale
Single game tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at $15 a game. Season tickets are still on sale starting at $99 per seat. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the ticket office at tuticketoffice@utulsa.edu or 918-631-4688 or visit HERE.

Visit www.TulsaHurricane.com for the latest news and information on the men's basketball program. Fans can also follow the team on X, Facebook and Instagram.