TU Holds Off Southern Methodist 64-55

The Associated Press

TULSA, OK -- Justin Hurtt scored 15 points, including a rally-stifling 3-pointer with 2:03 to play, as Tulsa held off Southern Methodist 64-55 Saturday.

Tulsa (15-7, 5-2 Conference USA) held SMU without a field goal for more than eight minutes early in the second half, expanding a 31-29 lead to 48-32. But the Mustangs (1-6, 6-13 C-USA) clawed back to within 56-51 on a 19-8 run, led by Derek Williams, who led SMU with 15 points.

Hurtt's trey gave Tulsa breathing room at 59-51. Ben Uzoh, who had 13 points, made three of four free throws in the final 1:15 to help Tulsa close it out.

Ray Reese had 14 points, Jerome Jordan 11 and Glenn Andrews nine for the balanced Hurricane offense. Robert Nyakundi scored 11 and Paul McCoy had 10 for SMU.

SMU shot just 34.5 percent (19 of 55). The Ponies were hurt by a 10-0 Tulsa run late in the first half that broke a 17-17 tie and by their offensive futility to start the second half.

The battle of 7-foot centers was a stalemate, as both teams collapsed on the interior. Jordan took just seven shots, making three, and had five rebounds and four blocks, while SMUs Bamba
Fall had seven points and eight rebounds and three blocks.