Tulsa Wins 10th Straight with Historic Offensive Performance Against Rice

Wednesday, December 31

Tulsa, Okla.

1 p.m.

Tulsa

13-1,1-0American

Rice

6-8,0-1American

Rice

Tulsa

Tulsa Wins 10th Straight with Historic Offensive Performance Against Rice

12/31/2025 5:49:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

TULSA, Okla. — From start to finish the Tulsa men's basketball team was in control in a 97-48 victory over Rice on Wednesday in the Reynolds Center. It was the largest margin of victory for the Golden Hurricane in a conference game ever and it was the best three-point shooting performance in the history of the Reynolds Center, 13-of-19 (.684). It was also the second largest margin of victory in an American Conference game and the seventh-best three-point shooting performance in league history.

Jaylen Lawal scored a career-high 25 points, including five 3-pointers, and added four rebounds. The freshman was on fire in the second half, scoring 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting. David Green recorded 19 points, making three of four attempts from beyond the arc, and collected nine rebounds. Ade Popoola contributed 15 points and dished out six assists while also securing three steals.

Tulsa started strong with an early 12-0 run, highlighted by Green's tip-in at the 16:57 mark, assisted by Popoola. Rice's offense struggled initially, but Nick Anderson managed to break the drought with a 3-pointer at 15:51. They'd answer with an 11-0 run but that's as close as the game would be the rest of the way. The home team's defense was effective, forcing seven turnovers, while Popoola contributed significantly on offense, including a fast-break dunk with 1:36 remaining. The half ended with Tulsa leading 40-27, as they outscored the Owls in the paint 22-6.

Tulsa extended its lead significantly in the second half with efficient shooting and strong defense, outscoring Rice 57-21. Lawal was instrumental, contributing multiple 3-pointers and a key fast-break layup at the 12:50 mark, pushing the Golden Hurricane's advantage. Popoola also played a crucial role, dishing out assists and sinking a 3-pointer midway through the half. Tulsa's bench added depth, scoring 32 points, while the Owls struggled with a 7-for-32 shooting performance from the field.

The Golden Hurricane hit the road to face North Texas on Sunday with tip-off scheduled for 3 p.m. from The Super Pit in Denton.

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.