Second Half Surge Leads Tulsa to Statement Win Over Memphis, 83-66

Wednesday, January 21

Tulsa, Okla.

7 p.m.

Tulsa

16-3,4-2American

Memphis

9-9,4-2American

Memphis

Tulsa

Second Half Surge Leads Tulsa to Statement Win Over Memphis, 83-66

1/21/2026 10:35:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

TULSA, Okla. — After trailing by five at the under-eight media timeout, a 26-4 Tulsa run to end the game capped an important win early in American Conference play, beating defending league champion Memphis, 83-66, in the Reynolds Center. With the win Tulsa improved to 4-2 in conference play and remain just a game back of first place in the loss column.

Tylen Riley led Tulsa with 16 points, converting all eight of his free throw attempts and adding eight assists and eight rebounds. Miles Barnstable contributed 17 points, successfully making 7-of-7 from the free throw line and hitting two 3-pointers. David Green scored 15 points while securing six rebounds and making two 3-pointers. Ade Popoola made an impact on defense with three steals and added six points. Tyler Behrend continued a run of strong play, scoring eight points with six rebounds and four assists.

The Golden Hurricane dominated at the free throw line, going 31-for-36 as a team while Memphis was just 10-of-14. Memphis finished the game one for their last eight from the field while Tulsa was 5-for-6 in crunch time.

Tulsa opened the first half by establishing early momentum with a 3-pointer from Green at 17:39, followed by a fast-break three by Barnstable. The Golden Hurricane capitalized on turnovers, converting them into points, and secured a lead through contributions from the bench, which added 12 points. Riley's defensive rebounds and assists further supported their efforts.

Memphis kept the score close by matching Tulsa's shooting beyond the arc, but the home team extended its lead with a series of successful free throws. Romad Dean added to Tulsa's advantage with consecutive dunks, showcasing effective teamwork with assists from Tyler Behrend and Riley. The half concluded with Tulsa maintaining a narrow 34-30 lead, setting the tone for a competitive match up.

Tulsa started the second half with a narrow lead. Green contributed early with two successful free throws at 19:24, maintaining a slight advantage. Despite back-and-forth scoring, Riley made a significant impact with a jumper at 16:45, pushing the lead to 42-39.

As the half progressed, Tulsa capitalized on turnovers, with Dean and Riley connecting on a three-pointer and layup, respectively, to extend the lead to 53-48. Memphis responded, but Tulsa remained resilient. A three-pointer by Myles Rigsby at 15:31 kept them ahead at 47-42.

In the closing minutes, Tulsa solidified their position with a series of decisive plays. Barnstable's three-pointer at 2:21 and subsequent fast break dunk at 2:03 widened the gap to 77-64. The half concluded with Tulsa firmly in control, leading 83-66, after a strong defensive effort and consistent free throw shooting.

Tulsa returns to the court on Saturday when they take on Rice at 3:30 p.m. in Houston.

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.