Tulsa's David Green stole the show at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, scoring 27 points to propel his team to a hard-fought 78-76 win over Florida Atlantic. The highly anticipated matchup lived up to its billing, with both teams trading baskets and playing tenacious defense. In the end, Green's clutch performance was the difference-maker, as Tulsa improved to 20-3 on the season.
The first half belonged to Florida Atlantic, who took a 32-25 lead into the break. Niccolo Moretti, the Owls' top scorer, had already tallied 15 points by halftime, and his team's defense had held Tulsa to just 25 points. However, the Golden Hurricane came out firing in the second half, scoring 53 points and outpacing Florida Atlantic's 44. Green was unstoppable, scoring from both inside and outside the arc, and his supporting cast chipped in with key contributions. Miles Barnstable added 15 points, while Tyler Behrend scored 11, helping to seal the win for Tulsa.
Moretti, meanwhile, finished with 25 points and 5 assists, leading a valiant effort from the Owls. Isaiah Elohim and Josiah Parker also impressed, with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and 12 points and 12 rebounds, respectively. Despite their best efforts, however, Florida Atlantic ultimately fell just short, slipping to 14-10 on the season.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Tulsa winning by 4.8 points, and while the actual margin was narrower, the forecast proved accurate. The correct prediction is a reflection of the scouting report's effectiveness, and Tulsa's ability to execute their game plan.
The win has real consequences for Tulsa's tournament resume, as it adds another Quadrant 2 victory to their ledger. With a current net ranking of 46, the Golden Hurricane are firmly in the mix for a top seed, and this win will only strengthen their case. For Florida Atlantic, the loss is a setback, but it's not a devastating blow. The Owls still have a respectable net ranking of 108, and this Quadrant 2 loss won't hurt their chances too much. However, they'll need to regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the postseason.
As it stands, Tulsa's victory over Florida Atlantic is a significant one, showcasing their ability to win tough games on the road. With their tournament resume continuing to grow, the Golden Hurricane are poised to make a deep run in the postseason. For now, they'll take the win and look to build on their momentum, while Florida Atlantic will aim to bounce back from the narrow defeat.