No. 14 Tulsa 71, Rice 51

(Fresno, California-AP) -- Eric Coley and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane made quick work of Rice 71-to-51 in the opening game of the men's Western Athletic Conference tournament. <br><br>Coley had a

Thursday, March 9th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Fresno, California-AP) -- Eric Coley and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane made quick work of Rice 71-to-51 in the opening game of the men's Western Athletic Conference tournament.

Coley had a block, assist, steal and reverse lay up in an early spurt for Number 14 Tulsa in the tourney in Fresno, California.

Sixth-man David Shelton, who scored 20 points, and Brandon Kurtz, with 14, carried Tulsa most of the way.

The Golden Hurricane won their 28th game, breaking the school record of 27 set in 1983-84.

Tulsa (28-and-3) and the top seed in the WAC tournament, will face the winner of the San Jose State-Texas Christian game.

Erik Cooper scored all 14 of his points in the second half as he tried to make it a game for outmatched Rice (5-and-22). Mike Wilks added ten points.