6-Game Winning Streak: Woodard Leads TU Past UConn

The University of Tulsa men's basketball team prevailed over Connecticut Tuesday night, leaving the arena with a 66-58 victory over the defending champs. The Golden Hurricane are now 11-5 overall and undefeated in conference play (4-0). This loss dropped the Huskies to 9-6 overall and 2-2 in conference.

TU came out the gate full of momentum, getting on the board first with a jumper from D'Andre Wright. By the 12:23 mark, TU had taken a 10-4 lead. James Woodard increased it by three, after knocking down a deep bucket from behind the arc.

Tulsa led the first half, until UConn tied up the game with a three-pointer from its leading scorer Ryan Boatright (7:19). The Huskies went on to gain its first lead of the game with 5:47 until the half (19-18).

The Golden Hurricane quickly regained the lead, after Rashad Smith sank a jumper. TU went on to lead the half 30-24.

The Huskies opened up the second half attempting to chip away the Golden Hurricane lead. Tulsa wasn't having that. The team quickly took off, outscoring the Huskies on nearly every offensive possession. With 8:53 left of the game, TU led 53-37.

The Golden Hurricane's defense proved too tough for UConn, holding them to 58 points by the end of the game.

Tulsa also took advantage of ball possessions, which helped them defeat the defending national champions. Woodard was a major factor in TU's win, putting up 21 points. Shaquille Harrison and Smith also played a big part in the team's win, contributing 12 points each.

The Golden Hurricane return to action January 17, to take on USF in Florida at 10:00 a.m.