Tulsa Falls in American Conference Semifinals to Wichita State

Saturday, March 14

Birmingham, Ala.

4:30 p.m.

Tulsa

26-7,13-5American

Wichita State

22-10,13-5American

Tulsa

Wichita St.

Tulsa Falls in American Conference Semifinals to Wichita State

3/14/2026 8:50:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Playing in the American Conference semifinals for the first time since 2014-15, Tulsa fell to Wichita State, 81-68, on Saturday at Legacy Arena. The Golden Hurricane battled back from down as many as 20 in the second half and cut the deficit to 10.

Tylen Riley led the offensive effort with 18 points, including three 3-pointers, and added five assists. Tyler Behrend contributed 13 points, shooting 5-for-8 from the field, and collected six rebounds before fouling out. Miles Barnstable scored 14 points, converting four 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. David Green had five points in the opening half but did not play in the final 20 minutes after leaving the game due to injury.

The first half opened with Behrend scoring the Golden Hurricane's initial points with a layup, setting the tone for a competitive half. The Shockers' Karon Boyd quickly responded with a 3-pointer, assisted by Michael Gray Jr., to give the home team an early lead. Riley hit a 3-pointer at the 16:13 mark, maintaining the visitors' competitive edge. Despite Tulsa's efforts, including a late 3-pointer by Jaylen Lawal, Gray Jr. concluded the half with a jumper, giving the home team a 39–33 lead at the break.

Behrend led the Golden Hurricane's scoring efforts in the second half with an early 3-pointer and a pair of free throws. However, the Shockers capitalized on their offensive rebounds, with Gray Jr. and Kenyon Giles each sinking multiple 3-pointers. The Shockers maintained their lead throughout the half, bolstered by Boyd's clutch 3-pointer at the 58-second mark. Despite a late fast-break 3-pointer by Popoola, the Golden Hurricane fell short with a final score of 81–68 in favor of the Shockers.

Tulsa will wait to hear its name called for a postseason tournament, with brackets to be announced starting Sunday night.

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.