Sixthirtyone

Issue date: 2/19/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Alicia Smith

Tulsa defeated the Houston Cougars 77 - 68 Wednesday night at the Reynolds Center. As the conference schedule winds down, Tulsa (19 - 9, 9 - 4 C-USA) came closer to securing a two seed in the Conference USA tournament March 11-14 in Memphis. Of the top 5 teams in the C-USA, TU owns the tiebreakers over 3 teams, according to TU Coach Doug Wojick. Houston (17 - 9, 8 - 5 C-USA), shot poorly and was unable to defend against the Hurricane's offensive storm. A Cougars assistant coach was overheard saying "Uzoh's just pushing it down the middle, down our [expletive deleted] throats. We've got to get a point guard on him!"

Indeed, Tulsa guard Ben Uzoh turned in a solid performance with 12 points and 8 rebounds on the night. Uzoh had help from guard Justin Hurtt, who also scored 12 and went 6-6 from the free throw line. After the game, Uzoh said "Ray Reese just doesn't get enough credit." Credit where credit is due: Reese posted 13 points, including TU's only three point baskets. But, as TU fans have come to expect, the difference maker for Tulsa was Junior Jerome Jordan. Tulsa's favorite seven-footer scored 24 points, along the way picking up 13 rebounds. Just as important are Jordan's 4 blocks during the game, forcing turnovers and demoralizing the Cougars. Uzoh praised Jordan's performance - "He is a pressure release for us. He did a very good job, and was very efficient tonight."

Coaches and players alike commented on the 6,097 fans that packed into the Reynolds Center to cheer on the Golden Hurricane. Houston Coach Tom Penders opened his remarks by saying the "home court was great tonight. The crowd here was terrific. It's a first class facility. They're great fans. They cheer for their team, they boo the refs, and they don't trash the opponents, which means a first class program." Coach Wojick agreed - "Great home crowd, great atmosphere. I love the hurricane alert siren! Put that on record, I love it." Indeed, perhaps the trinity of sirens, hot dogs, and sodas can revitalize our occasionally somnolent student section.

Asked about the upcoming road game at SMU, Jordan said "We've got to go in, stay tough mentally, and execute our game plan on the road." Wojick echoed the theme of toughness: "Tough game on Saturday. But our goals have to be more important than the opponent. We have a chance to win 20 games." With that goal in mind, Tulsa faces the SMU Mustangs Saturday, February 28 in Dallas. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 pm. The following Wednesday (March 4), TU basketball returns home for the final regular season home game. The Golden Hurricane will host Golden Knights of Central Florida for a 7:05 pm tipoff.

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