Tulsa Wins 28th Game, Advances To NIT Quarterfinals with 77-66 Victory Over UNLV

Sunday, March 22

Tulsa, Okla.

6 p.m.

Tulsa

28-7,13-5American

UNLV

18-17,11-9Mountain West

UNLV

Tulsa

Tulsa Wins 28th Game, Advances To NIT Quarterfinals with 77-66 Victory Over UNLV

3/22/2026 10:19:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa led for over 37 minutes and cruised to a 77-66 win over UNLV on Sunday in the Reynolds Center. The win was the 28^th year for the Golden Hurricane, the program's second most in a single season. Tulsa will play in the NIT Quarterfinals for the third time in school history and host it for the first time.

Ade Popoola scored 16 points, converting four 3-pointers. Romad Dean posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Tylen Riley contributed six assists while adding nine points. Miles Barnstable matched Popoola's scoring with 16 points, including three 3-pointers. Barnstable wrote his name at the top of the TU record books, hitting his 94^th three-pointer of the season to break the single season record previously held by Gary Collier in 1993-94.

The first half commenced with Tulsa and UNLV trading early turnovers, but Tulsa soon established control. Popoola's fast-break 3-pointer at 17:09 gave the Golden Hurricane a 5-2 lead. UNLV's Kimani Hamilton responded with a jumper, yet Tulsa maintained its momentum, highlighted by Dean's 3-pointer at 16:11. The Golden Hurricane's defensive rebounds and fast breaks, including Dean's dunk at 7:20, extended its advantage. Despite UNLV's efforts led by Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who scored a jumper and a 3-pointer, Tulsa ended the half ahead, 36-24, with Riley's free throws in the final seconds.

Tulsa's offense was led by Barnstable, who contributed significantly with several key 3-pointers, including a crucial shot at the 5:10 mark that expanded the lead to 66-54. Popoola was instrumental from the line, adding critical points in the closing minutes to seal the win. Despite a strong second-half performance by the Runnin' Rebels' Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who kept the game close with multiple field goals, Tulsa maintained its lead throughout the half. The home team capitalized on their second-chance points, out-rebounding the visitors and showing efficiency from the bench.

Tulsa will play one last time in the Reynolds Center in 2025-26 as they host Wichita State on Tuesday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2. It will be the fourth time the long time rivals square off this season.

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.