Hot First Half Leads Tulsa to Season Sweep Over Rice

Saturday, January 24

Houston, Texas

3:30 p.m.

Tulsa

17-3,5-2American

Rice

8-12,2-5American

Tulsa

Rice

Hot First Half Leads Tulsa to Season Sweep Over Rice

1/24/2026 6:14:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

HOUSTON — A hot shooting opening half was enough for the Tulsa men's basketball team to hold off a late charge from Rice in an 87-81 win at Tudor Fieldhouse on Saturday. The Golden Hurricane have now won four in a row and are 5-2 in American Conference play.

Miles Barnstable scored 21 points, sinking three 3-pointers and converting 8-of-9 free throws. Jaylen Lawal added 17 points and recorded two steals, contributing significantly to the defensive effort. David Green posted 16 points with three 3-pointers and collected two steals. Tyler Behrend finished with seven points and led the team with six rebounds.

Tulsa opened the first half with a strong offensive display, quickly establishing momentum with a 3-pointer from Barnstable followed by a series of successful possessions. Ade Popoola contributed significantly, adding points both from the free-throw line and beyond the arc. The Golden Hurricane capitalized on turnovers, maintaining pressure on the Owls with efficient scoring and defensive stops, including multiple steals and rebounds by Green.

Lawal further extended Tulsa's lead with back-to-back 3-pointers, while the team collectively showcased strong ball movement, recording several assists. Myles Rigsby and Behrend added to the scoring with successful field goals, complementing the team's impressive shooting percentage. As the half drew to a close, Tulsa maintained a commanding lead, ending the first half ahead 51-31.

As a team, Tulsa shot 17-of-28 (.607) from the field in the opening 20 minutes and went 10-of-15 (.667) from three.

Tulsa initiated the second half with a strong offensive presence, highlighted by Behrend's early layup that set a competitive tone. Lawal capitalized on a turnover to score a jumper, extending Tulsa's lead and capitalizing on defensive momentum. Despite the Owls' attempts to close the gap with successful three-pointers by Jalen Smith, the Golden Hurricane maintained composure through strategic free throws and consistent scoring drives.

Barnstable contributed significantly with a crucial dunk and a series of free throws in the final minute to secure Tulsa's advantage. Popoola's three-pointer and successive layup further established a cushion, which Tulsa sustained through disciplined defensive rebounds and timely steals. The half concluded with Tulsa leading 87-81, effectively managing Rice's late surge.

The Golden Hurricane return home next week for a pair of games in the Reynolds Center. They'll start the week on Wednesday against North Texas before Wichita State comes to town on Sunday.

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.