TU Takes 74-70 Victory Over MSU

The Golden Hurricane played host to Missouri State in a battle of the American Athletic versus the Valley. TU was able to outscore MSU, winning 74-70. Tulsa is now 6-5 on the season, after dropping the Bears to 5-4.

Related Story: Men's Basketball: TU-Missouri State Preview

First Half

The game started fast, with a 14-14 tie the first 11 minutes of play. TU scored most of its initial points in the paint, including a hard jam by Rashad Smith that gave the Golden Hurricane a two point lead.

The Bears attempted to change things up and run a zone defense, in order to keep TU from getting the easy buckets. Shaquille Harrison proved that wouldn't work, driving down the middle and getting the foul call. After another TU drive, MSU went back to man defense. TU proceeded to take it to the rim, scoring six fast break points, compared to none from the bears. MSU couldn't contain Tulsa; they weren't getting down the floor quick enough on transition.

With two minutes until halftime, James Woodard snagged the steal and took it up court for a wide open dunk. With TU now at eight fast break points, Woodard would come back up court for a deep three, advancing TU's lead 28-26.

TU went on an 8-3 run, leading the first half 29-28.

TU's Stats

Field Goals: 44 percent

3-PT FGs: 3-11

Free Throws: 2-3

Rebounds: 15

Points In The Paint: 18

Bench Points: 0

Missouri State's Stats

Field Goals: 40 percent

3-PT FGs: 4-7

Free Throws: 0-0

Rebounds: 19

Points In The Paint: 10

Bench Points: 6

Second Half

The game stayed close, as neither team had led by more than five. With 16:43 on the clock, MSU's Marcus Marshall hit his fourth three, of four attempts, to decrease the TU lead. Two minutes later, he hit his fifth three, now leading all scorers with 22 points. Harrison led TU with 18.

With 12:52 to play, the game was tied 44-44. Woodard followed up by sinking a free throw and knocking down a three, giving TU a four point lead (48-44). Woodard and MSU's Marshall brought the rainy weather inside, exchanging back and forth threes. With just under nine minutes, Woodard and Harrison both now had 20 points for the Golden Hurricane. Marshall still led all scorers with 29 points.

The game was looking like it would come down to a one play decision, as TU led by one at the 4:41 mark (61-62). Woodard went on to hit another clutch three, giving TU a four point cushion. Between Woodard and Marshall, the arena was on fire. Woodard had 26 points, leading TU in scoring, while Marshall was at 36 for Missouri State.

TU kept up the intensity, solidified its defense, and prevailed 74-70 over Missouri State.

TU's Stats

Field Goals: 54 percent

3-PT FGs: 8-20

Free Throws: 10-16

Rebounds: 27

Assists: 12

Blocks: 7

Turnovers: 8

Missouri State's Stats

Field Goals: 44 percent

3-PT FGs: 10-19

Free Throws: 10-11

Rebounds: 34

Assists: 10

Blocks: 3

Turnovers: 11

TU will return to action Monday, December 22, to take on Incarnate Word in the Reynolds Center at 7:00 p.m.