TU Sails Past Pirates After Suffering Back-To-Back Losses

James Woodard, who left Saturday's game against Cincinnati with a leg injury, was not in Tulsa’s starting lineup against East Carolina, breaking a streak of 91 consecutive starts.

Although TU was without one of its senior leaders, the team played efficiently and high tempo.

Coming off back-to-back losses, the Golden Hurricane looked good when they took the court. The team snatched an early lead, was playing tough defense and forcing turnovers.

Just minutes into the game, Tulsa led 12-2 and quickly elevated that advantage 21-6. ECU was struggling in all aspects, shooting a lot like Tulsa did last week against the Bearcats.

By halftime, ECU had 12 turnovers and the Golden Hurricane led 37-14. Tulsa was shooting 51.6 percent from the field compared to the Pirates 18.2 percent. Rashad Smith led TU in scoring with ten points and contributed five rebounds and two assists. Sterling Taplin tallied six points and Shaquille Harrison added four.  

East Carolina’s 14 points marked the fewest allowed in a half by Tulsa at home since 2003.

TU opened the second half just as hot as they opened the first, quickly upping the score. Smith slammed his second put-back dunk of the half at the 13:16 mark to extend the Golden Hurricane lead 45-21.

At the buzzer, Tulsa walked away with a 55-43 home victory. Smith finished with 20 points and nine rebounds.

Up next: TU will hit the road to take on Tulane Jan. 10 at 1:00 p.m.