Tulsa Holds Off Rice 87-81 Behind Balanced Attack

Tulsa's high-powered offense proved too much for Rice to handle, as the Golden Hurricane secured an 87-81 victory at Tudor Fieldhouse. Miles Barnstable paced Tulsa with 21 points, while Jalen Smith led Rice with 24 points in a losing effort. The win marked Tulsa's 17th victory of the season, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the country.

The first half was a shootout, with Tulsa taking a 51-31 lead into the break. The Golden Hurricane's offense was clicking on all cylinders, with four players scoring in double figures by halftime. However, Rice refused to back down, mounting a fierce comeback in the second half. Trae Broadnax and Nick Anderson joined Smith in double figures, combining for 63 of Rice's 81 points. Despite their best efforts, the Owls were unable to overcome the deficit, ultimately falling by six points.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Tulsa winning by 10.7 points, and while the final margin was slightly closer, the predicted winner was correct. Tulsa's victory was a reflection of their depth and balance, as three players scored 16 points or more. Jaylen Lawal and David Green joined Barnstable in double figures, providing a spark on both ends of the floor.

Rice's performance was notable, given their significant underdog status. The Owls' 81 points were a reflection of their resilience and determination, even if the end result was not what they had hoped for. Smith's 24 points led the way, while Broadnax and Anderson provided valuable support. Despite the loss, Rice's effort will be a confidence booster as they look to build momentum in the second half of the season.

In terms of tournament implications, this result has significant consequences for both teams. For Tulsa, the win is a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not carry significant weight in the eyes of the selection committee. However, the Golden Hurricane's overall profile remains strong, with a 17-3 record and a top-50 net ranking. For Rice, the loss is a Quadrant 2 defeat, which could be valuable in building their resume. The Owls' current net ranking of 249 makes an at-large bid unlikely, but a strong finish to the season could put them in contention for a postseason berth.

Ultimately, Tulsa's victory is a reflection of their strength and depth, while Rice's performance is a reminder that they are a team to be reckoned with. As the season enters its final stretch, both teams want to build on this result and make a push for their respective goals. For Tulsa, a strong finish could solidify their position as a top seed, while Rice want to use this performance as a springboard to bigger things.