Golden Hurricane Big Man Is Big-Time

The Golden Hurricane got a major boost Wednesday night without even taking the floor. Tulsa (16-11, 9-4) had a night off, but UTEP beat Southern Miss in overtime. The loss dropped the Golden Eagles into a tie with Tulsa for second place in the conference.

"You've got a chance now to win the regular season title," said head coach Doug Wojcik, who earlier this year became the all-time wins leader in school history. "It's a great opportunity for us and as much as there might have been some misfortune or bad luck early, maybe some good luck is turning our way."

Tulsa has slowly and steadily climbed its way up the ranks in Conference USA after opening league play with a pair of heart-breaking defeats. Tulsa lost to Houston on the road in overtime, 70-69, and fell to SMU three days later at home when Jeremiah Samarrippas hit a long jumper at the buzzer.

That seems like ancient history now.

"We've lost a lot of games that were really close," said senior forward D.J. Magley. "We got a lot of confidence for that, but yet we still have to finish."

Magley, Tulsa's seldom-praised big man, is one of the big reasons why TU is within one game of the league-leading Memphis Tigers in the league standings. The fifth-year senior rarely finds himself in the spotlight, but is averaging more points, rebounds and blocks than he did a year ago.

He's also staying out of foul trouble. Figuring out a way to stay on the court rather than the bench has given Magley more chances to shine.

"I get more into the flow (of the game) now more than I did last season," he said. "Without fouling, it gives me the opportunity to stay in the game longer.

"I think (Coach Wojcik) has more confidence in me now."

Magley fouled out nine times as a junior in 31 games. Through 26 games this season, he's only fouled out of three games. Magley is averaging 22 minutes per game this year, up six minutes from a year ago. When he plays 20 or more minutes, Tulsa is 10-5, compared to just 5-6 when he is limited due to foul trouble.

"I think he's been incredibly mature this year," said Wojcik. "You can probably say he's been the most consistent post player in doing what he does, in playing to his strengths."

Magley's teammates agree.

"He does a lot of things that don't show up on the stat sheet," said sophomore center Kodi Maduka. "We have good chemistry. He's just an enforcer."

Magley, who started his career at Western Kentucky, got married last August. He is always smiling and is a locker room favorite. Wojcik calls him a "pleasure" to be around and an outstanding teammate.

Tulsa will honor its four seniors, including Magley, during the final regular season game in two weeks. Memphis will be at the Reynolds Center, possibly with the regular season title on the line.

"It's been a good senior season but I really want to finish on a high note," Magley said with a smile.

Tulsa travels to face Tulane (15-12, 3-10) on Saturday.