Total Team Effort Sends Tulsa to NIT Championship Game with 74-69 Win Over New Mexico

Thursday, April 2

Indianapolis, Ind.

6 PM

Tulsa

30-7,13-5American

New Mexico

26-11,13-7Mountain West

Team	1	2	F
Tulsa	36	38	74
New Mexico	29	40	69

Miles Barnstable shoots a three against New Mexico in the NIT Semifinals

Total Team Effort Sends Tulsa to NIT Championship Game with 74-69 Win Over New Mexico

4/2/2026 10:16:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

INDIANAPOLIS — Tulsa's historic season will go the distance after the team advanced to the NIT Championship with a 74-69 win over New Mexico in the semifinals on Thursday in Indianapolis. It was the team's 30^th win of the season, becoming the ninth school in American Conference history to reach that mark.

Ade Popoola scored 12 points, converting four 3-pointers and recording six rebounds. Tyler Behrend collected eight rebounds and added seven points, while also leading with two steals. Tylen Riley contributed 10 points and led the team with five assists. David Green posted 13 points, making 7-of-8 free throws and blocking two shots.

The game opened with Tulsa's David Green scoring on a layup assisted by Tyler Behrend, setting the early pace. Tulsa maintained its momentum through proficient long-range shooting, highlighted by Miles Barnstable and Ade Popoola each hitting multiple 3-pointers. New Mexico responded with two key 3-pointers from Uriah Tenette, briefly taking a lead midway through the period. However, Jaylen Lawal's consecutive 3-pointers in the final minutes helped Tulsa regain control, ending the first half with a 36–29 advantage over New Mexico.

David Green opened the scoring with a layup, assisted by Popoola, just 28 seconds into the half. Despite New Mexico's Jake Hall responding with a 3-pointer at 18:53, Tulsa maintained its advantage with key defensive stops, including a block by Barnstable at 16:07. Behrend contributed with a fast-break layup at 17:19, helping Tulsa withstand New Mexico's late surge. Jake Hall's free throws at 15:42 brought New Mexico within four, but Tulsa's consistent scoring kept it in front until the final buzzer.

Tulsa advances to Sunday's championship game against Auburn in Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

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.