Tulsa Pulls Away in the Second Half in 86-74 Win at Charlotte

Wednesday, January 14

Charlotte, N.C.

6 p.m.

Tulsa

14-3,2-2American

Charlotte

9-9,3-2American

Tulsa

Charlotte

Tulsa Pulls Away in the Second Half in 86-74 Win at Charlotte

1/14/2026 8:27:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Tulsa men's basketball team got back in the win column with a convincing 86-74 victory at Charlotte on Wednesday in Halton Arena. The starting five for the Golden Hurricane combined for 81 points and four finished in double figures in the win.

David Green led the Golden Hurricane with 21 points, converting 8-of-13 field goals and making all three of his 3-point attempts. Over his last five games the graduate student has been cooking, averaging 23.2 points, shooting .695 from the field, .667 from three, and .759 from the charity stripe. He also leads the team in rebounds in that span at 5.2 per game.

Tylen Riley contributed 19 points on 7-of -2 shooting, adding four assists, and five rebounds. Miles Barnstable scored 18 points, hitting all eight of his free-throw attempts and collecting two steals. Ade Popoola added 14 points, making 4-of-8 shots from beyond the arc and recording six rebounds. Tyler Behrend finished the night with nine points, eight rebounds, and two assists.

Tulsa opened the first half with strong offensive play, highlighted by Green's early layups that set the tone. Popoola contributed with a fast-break 3-pointer, assisted by Barnstable, helping them maintain an edge. The team effectively capitalized on points in the paint with 22 points and outrebounded the 49ers on both ends of the floor.

Midway through the half, Tulsa extended its lead with a combination of solid defense and efficient scoring from the bench. Ian Smikle and Romad Dean added crucial points, while Riley's layup and free throw further widened the gap. Tulsa's defense forced Charlotte into several turnovers, allowing for a fast-paced counterattack.

As the half concluded, Tulsa countered the 49ers' scoring efforts with consistent offensive pressure. Riley's layup in the final seconds secured a 44–37 lead for Tulsa at the end of the first half.

Tulsa opened the second half with a strong performance, highlighted by Popoola's three-pointer at 19:03, extending the team's lead. Barnstable and Tyler Behrend contributed significantly with crucial baskets, while the defense stifled Charlotte's attempts, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on them. Tulsa maintained control throughout, with Green hitting a key three-pointer at 7:55, further solidifying the lead.

The visiting team continued to build momentum, as Riley added points from both layups and free throws. Despite Charlotte's efforts to close the gap, Tulsa's consistent scoring, including a late layup by Green at 00:34, ensured they closed the half maintaining a comfortable lead. The game ended with Tulsa leading 86–74.

Tulsa starts a wraps up a week on the road at UAB on Sunday afternoon with a 2 p.m. tip.

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.