HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Martins Igbanu scored a career-high 28 points and Tulsa held off UConn 79-75 in overtime Sunday to pick up its fifth straight win.
Darien Jackson and Brandon Rachal each added 14 points for the Golden Hurricane (14-6, 6-1 American), who were picked to finish 10th in the American Athletic Conference but are currently in first place.
"The main thing coach (Frank Haith) talked about was shot-faking and trying to be physical," Igbanu said. "They didn't double down on me right away, so I had time to get into my moves."
Freshman James Bouknight had 16 points for the Huskies (10-9, 1-5) who have lost four straight and six of seven.
Tulsa led by five points at halftime and were up 41-32 after a layup from Jackson early in the second half.
But UConn responded with a trapping press on defense and went on a 12-0 run, highlighted by Sidney Wilson’s drive through contact that gave the Huskies the lead.
"When they went on their 12-0 run, we got more focused on the game and knew we had to bow our backs," Igbanu said.
A 3-pointer from Jeriah Horne from the left wing tied the game at 58 with just under two minutes to play and a goaltending call on Akok Akok with 50 seconds left put the Hurricane up by two.
It was 61-58 when Jackson leaped to block Christian Vital’s 3-point attempt from the left baseline with 3.4 seconds left, but was called for a foul.
The senior guard hit the first two before a Tulsa timeout, then calmly hit the third in front of a silent arena to tie the game.
Tulsa scored the first six points of extra time with a layup, an ally-oop dunk and pair of free throws and held off the Huskies the rest of the way.
The Hurricane made all five of their shots in overtime and were 8 of 10 from the foul line.
"I'm so proud of our guys handling the adversity that comes with playing on the road," Haith said. "When things happen on the road, you have to bow your back and stay together. We definitely did that. I'm really proud how our guys made plays down the stretch."
BIG PICTURE
Tulsa came in holding opponents to fewer than 64 points a game. Just six teams this season have scored more than 70 points on the Hurricane.
UP NEXT
Tulsa returns home to face Wichita State on Saturday, before hosting the Huskies on Feb. 6.
