The TU Golden Hurricane suffered a setback against the Wichita State Shockers in the semifinals of the American Conference Tournament, losing 81-68 on March 15, 2024. This defeat not only ended Tulsa’s six-game winning streak but also dashed hopes for a conference championship, a title they have not claimed since 2014.
Head coach Eric Konkol expressed the disappointment felt by the team after falling short of their goal. “This is a really hard moment. We fully wanted and had aspirations of playing tomorrow and cutting down the nets,” he remarked, highlighting the emotional weight of the loss. The Golden Hurricane appeared poised for a strong performance but struggled against a formidable Wichita State team.
In the game, Tylen Riley led the scoring for Tulsa with 18 points and contributed five assists. He was supported by Miles Barnstable, who added 14 points, and Tyler Behrend, who contributed 13 points along with six rebounds. Despite being down by 20 points in the second half, the team showcased resilience and determination.
“It’s really difficult. This has been a fantastic group to coach,” Riley said, reflecting on the challenges faced during the game. He acknowledged that the Shockers’ performance, particularly in shooting and rebounding, played a significant role in the outcome.
Konkol remained optimistic about the future of the team, despite the loss in the tournament. He voiced his hope for a postseason opportunity, stating, “I think these guys deserve it. They’ve worked really hard. They’ve sacrificed for one another.” He also noted that performance metrics from sources like KenPom and NET could favor the Golden Hurricane’s chances for an invitation to continue their season.
As Tulsa awaits news of a postseason tournament invitation, they are eyeing opportunities in either the NIT or the College Basketball Crown. The announcement regarding participating teams will be made on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 20:30 hours.
The Golden Hurricane now reflects on a season filled with promise and potential, as they look to build on their achievements and secure a chance to play in the postseason. Fans remain hopeful that the team’s hard work and dedication will be rewarded with further opportunities on the court.
