Tulsa Falls To Marshall In Triple-Overtime Thriller

The third-seeded Tulsa Golden Hurricane lost a triple-overtime thriller to the Marshall Thundering Herd 105-100 Saturday, ending the Golden Hurricane's run in the Conference USA tournament in its first game.

The Golden Hurricane held a six point lead with less than three minutes left to play, but the Thundering Herd scored six unanswered points to tie the game 64-64 with one minute left on the clock. Jordan Clarkson turned the ball over on the Golden Hurricane's attempt to win the game, and Marshall's buzzer-beating three-pointer rattled out.

Tulsa held a one-possession lead for most of the first overtime period, with a Kodi Maduka's four points giving the Golden Hurricane a 74-71 advantage in the closing minute of the first extra period. However, three consecutive free throws tied the game once again with 35 seconds left on the clock, forcing another overtime period.

The first 90 seconds of the second overtime saw neither team make a basket, but traded baskets over a two-minute span tying the game 79-79 heading into the final minutes of the second overtime.

Four unanswered points, all by Clarkson, gave TU a two-possession lead with 35 seconds remaining, but a fast-and-furious ending capped by a fast break layup from Marshall's DeAndre Kane with 12 seconds left tied the game 86-86 forcing yet another extra five minutes.

Tulsa looked to be in good position in the early going of the third overtime, leading 95-94 at the 2:34 mark, Marshall's Dago Pena converted on a three-point attempt and was fouled, giving the Thundering Herd a 98-95 lead. Jordan Clarkson blew a layup on Tulsa's next possession and Dennis Tinnon converted on his attempt to put Marshall in front 100-95, a lead they wouldn't give up.

Kane was dominant for the Thundering herd in the win, scoring 40 points, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out three assists and stealing the ball three times. Shaquille Johnson did his best to chip in as well, finishing with 25 points and three steals.

Eric McClellan was the high-scorer for TU, finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Steven Idlet added 20 points and six boards in the loss.