Big Nights From Uzoh, Jordan Push Tulsa Past LMU

Originally Published: Nov 24, 2009 9:34 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Reporter

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Ben Uzoh scored 16 of his 22 points in the first half to lead Tulsa past Loyola Marymount 79-65 Tuesday night. The senior helped keep the Golden Hurricane perfect with clutch three-pointers down the stretch.

Tulsa used a 26-9 run to close the first half to put away the Lions. Loyola Marymount beat Southern California by eight just a few nights before but never looked in sync on offense and turned the ball over a dozen times.

Uzoh had some help on offense. Senior Bishop Wheatley returned for the Golden Hurricane in a big way. The forward scored 10 points in his first game back from a 4-game suspension after violating NCAA rules as a sophomore.

The Tulsa bench played a big role in the win over the Lions. The reserves outscored Loyola Marymount 17-5. Joe Richard led the charge off the bench with nine points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots.

Uzoh finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Every Tulsa starter except Justin Hurtt scored in double-figures, and the unit combined for 62 points.

Jerome Jordan set the school record for blocks in a career with six swats against the Lions. Jordan passed Michael Ruffin’s mark of 266 blocks. Jordan’s 267 are now fourth all-time in Conference USA.

The Golden Hurricane has won every game this season by at least a dozen points. Tulsa hits the road for the first time this season when they visit Missouri State on Saturday at 7 p.m.