Tulsa basketball recap: 2nd Half Collapse Dooms Tulsa, 68-59

CUSA-fans.com has a new staff of team correspondents this season to help bring you, the fan, more detailed Conference USA sports coverage. Today, our Tulsa Correspondent Taylor Burke recaps the basketball game between Tulsa and Arkansas.

After a terrible start Tuesday night in Fayetteville, AR, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane went into half time with a five-point deficit. Early in the second half, Tulsa cut the deficit to one point.

Sophomore forward Sam Mitchell picked up a fourth foul and as predicted, Tulsa’s lack of big time depth inside was the difference. Arkansas forwards Thomas and Weems forced the ball inside and made their way to the free throw line. Arkansas finished the night with 11 more free throws than Tulsa.

Once Arkansas established an inside game, Arkansas’ guards put the game out of reach, building a late 17 point lead. Tulsa used some late hot shooting to make the game closer.

Credit Arkansas with great defense, slowing Tulsa’s leading scorer, Rod Earls, to 4 points on 1-8 shooting.

On the night, TU out rebounded Arkansas, 39-29, led by freshman forward Jamel McLean’s 11 boards.

McLean also had 10 points. Freshman guards Mark Hill and Ben Uzoh added 17 and 11 points respectively.

Arkansas reported nearly 13,000 in attendance, but there were probably 8,500 fans actually in the stands.

This was the last scheduled game between Tulsa and Arkansas.