Tulsa Holds Off Rival Wichita State to Advance to NIT Semifinals

Tuesday, March 24

Tulsa, Okla.

6 p.m.

Tulsa

29-7,13-5American

Wichita State

24-12,13-5American

Wichita St.

Tulsa

Tulsa Holds Off Rival Wichita State to Advance to NIT Semifinals

3/24/2026 10:27:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa held off a late rally from longtime rival Wichita State to advance to the NIT semifinals by a score of 83-79 on Tuesday in the Reynolds Center. The Golden Hurricane advance to the semifinals of the NIT for the third time in program history, winning each of the last two times they did so.

Tylen Riley scored 21 points and recorded six assists while converting all eight of his free throw attempts. Miles Barnstable led with 24 points, making five 3-pointers and adding seven free throws. Ade Popoola contributed 12 points, including three successful shots from beyond the arc. David Green collected six rebounds and added five points to the team's effort.

The game began with the Golden Hurricane establishing early control, scoring the first five points, including a 3-pointer by Popoola at 18:08. Tulsa extended its lead with efficient fast break plays, highlighted by Green's dunk at 15:26, which increased the home team's lead to 12-2. Wichita struggled to keep pace, managing only one 3-pointer and relying on free throws to stay in the game. As the half concluded, Riley made a jumper at the 48-second mark, securing a 52-36 lead at the break.

Tulsa secured a narrow 83-79 victory in a tense second half. Early on, the Shockers' Dillon Battie reduced the home team's lead with a pair of free throws at the 19:48 mark, but Barnstable responded with a 3-pointer for Tulsa. Kenyon Giles led a push for Wichita with a 3-pointer and a fast-break layup, tightening the contest. Barnstable played a crucial role in Tulsa's win with two free throws at 3:21, and Riley's late free throws sealed the game for the Golden Hurricane with just six seconds remaining.

Tulsa will face New Mexico with a trip to the NIT Championship on the line on Thursday, April 4.

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.