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Tulsa Stuns Memphis with Second-Half Surge

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 5:49 GMT by Tulsa World
      Locale: UNITED STATES

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - February 8, 2026 - The Tulsa Golden Hurricane pulled off a significant road victory Saturday, defeating the Memphis Tigers 74-67 in a game defined by a dramatic second-half turnaround. Sophomore guard Jeremy Mosely Jr., thrust into a more prominent role, spearheaded the offensive resurgence, scoring 17 points off the bench and injecting much-needed energy into the Golden Hurricane attack.

The win pushes Tulsa to 13-8 overall and 6-4 in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), while Memphis drops to 10-13 and 4-7. The game underscored the importance of bench contributions and adapting to in-game challenges, lessons both teams will undoubtedly carry forward.

Tulsa struggled to find its rhythm in the first half, shooting a modest 36.4% from the field. Memphis capitalized, building a lead that peaked at 10 points. However, the Golden Hurricane emerged from the halftime break a transformed team. A blistering 55.3% shooting percentage in the second half, coupled with a 41.7% clip from three-point range, propelled Tulsa past the Tigers. This stark contrast in offensive efficiency proved to be the pivotal factor in the game's outcome.

Mosely's impact was particularly noteworthy. Having not started in four games, the sophomore seized his opportunity, connecting on 6 of 11 field goal attempts, including 3 of 7 from beyond the arc. His performance wasn't just about scoring; it was about providing a spark when the team needed it most. Coach Eric Pearlman praised Mosely's dedication, stating, "He's been working hard... He's always ready, and we needed his energy today."

The Golden Hurricane's success wasn't solely reliant on Mosely's offensive output. Senior forward Tobias Campbell delivered a strong performance with 12 points and a commanding 10 rebounds, controlling the boards and providing a physical presence. Junior forward CJ Lee contributed 11 points and four assists, showcasing his all-around skill set. This balanced scoring attack demonstrated the depth of Tulsa's roster.

For Memphis, Kendric Davis was the primary offensive force, scoring 23 points and dishing out seven assists. Jalen Renfro added 10 points and seven rebounds. However, Davis's efforts weren't enough to overcome Tulsa's second-half surge and the Tigers' struggles in key areas.

One of those key struggles for Memphis was rebounding. Tulsa dominated the glass, securing 36 rebounds compared to Memphis' 30. This disparity in rebounding allowed Tulsa to generate second-chance opportunities and limit Memphis' possessions. Coach Penny Hardaway acknowledged this deficiency, stating, "We got outrebounded and they got to loose balls... We didn't execute well on offense or defense."

Beyond rebounding, Tulsa's defensive adjustments in the second half also played a critical role. The Golden Hurricane effectively limited Memphis' scoring opportunities, forcing tougher shots and disrupting the Tigers' offensive flow. This tactical adjustment demonstrated the coaching staff's ability to identify weaknesses and implement effective strategies.

Looking Ahead:

Tulsa will now return home to face East Carolina on Wednesday, hoping to build on this momentum. The Golden Hurricane will aim to maintain their strong offensive form and continue to dominate the boards. For Memphis, the loss marks a setback in their season. Coach Hardaway and his team will need to address their rebounding issues and improve their execution on both ends of the court if they hope to turn their season around. The Tigers' next game presents an opportunity to regroup and refocus.

This victory for Tulsa is a testament to the importance of resilience, bench depth, and effective coaching. Jeremy Mosely Jr.'s performance serves as a prime example of how seizing opportunities can impact a team's success. The Golden Hurricane are proving to be a formidable opponent in the AAC, while Memphis faces a crucial juncture in their season.