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Tulsa Suffers Disappointing Loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 2:22 GMT by Tulsa World
      Locales: Oklahoma, UNITED STATES

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The Tulsa Golden Hurricane suffered a disappointing 77-68 defeat at the hands of Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday night at the Reynolds Center, exposing significant vulnerabilities in their offensive execution and raising concerns about the team's consistency as they navigate the remainder of the season. The loss dropped Tulsa to 7-6, highlighting a mid-season slump following a promising start.

The game's statistics paint a clear picture of Tulsa's struggles. A dismal 37.3% field goal percentage (25 of 67) coupled with a staggering 18 turnovers and a significant rebounding deficit (44-32) proved to be insurmountable obstacles. Coach Eric Pearlman didn't mince words in his post-game assessment, pinpointing turnovers, offensive fouls, poor shooting, and rebounding as the primary culprits behind the defeat. "We had too many turnovers tonight. We had too many offensive fouls. We didn't make enough shots. We didn't do a good job of rebounding," he stated.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff (8-5) capitalized on Tulsa's weaknesses, establishing an early lead that they maintained for the majority of the contest. Their dominance in the paint - outscoring Tulsa 36-24 inside - was a key factor in their victory. This suggests a potential defensive deficiency for the Golden Hurricane in protecting the interior, or a lack of size and strength to effectively contest shots and secure rebounds.

While senior guard Kerwin Walton provided a spark with 18 points and junior forward Jonathan Jackson delivered a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, their individual efforts weren't enough to overcome the team's collective struggles. Jackson's rebounding performance, while commendable, underlines the broader problem - the team as a whole was significantly outrebounded. It also begs the question of why Jackson wasn't more involved in the offense, given his effectiveness.

The Golden Hurricane's late-game rally, shrinking a 19-point deficit to just nine points with 2:30 remaining, showcased a glimmer of resilience. Walton's consecutive three-pointers ignited a temporary surge, but it ultimately proved insufficient to salvage the game. This late push, however, raises questions about the team's intensity and focus in the opening stages of the game. Why does Tulsa consistently seem to require a significant deficit to unlock its full potential?

Terry Armstrong of Arkansas-Pine Bluff led all scorers with 21 points, supported by Jaquan Lyle's 15 points and seven assists. Lyle's assist total highlights Arkansas-Pine Bluff's ability to move the ball effectively and find open teammates, something Tulsa clearly lacked. The Lions' balanced attack and efficient ball movement contrasted sharply with Tulsa's stagnant offense and reliance on individual efforts.

This loss isn't simply a one-off bad night. It's indicative of a pattern. The Golden Hurricane have demonstrated flashes of brilliance this season, but have struggled to maintain consistent performance. Their record suggests a team still searching for its identity and struggling to close out games.

The upcoming game against Louisiana-Monroe on Thursday represents a critical opportunity for Tulsa to address these issues. Coach Pearlman and his staff will need to emphasize ball security, offensive efficiency, and rebounding prowess in practice. A greater emphasis on team play and establishing a consistent offensive rhythm is crucial. Furthermore, exploring different offensive strategies and maximizing the contributions of all players, not just Walton and Jackson, could unlock Tulsa's full potential.

Beyond the immediate need to secure a win against Louisiana-Monroe, the Golden Hurricane must analyze the root causes of their offensive inconsistencies. Is it a lack of player development, ineffective play-calling, or a combination of both? The answers to these questions will determine whether Tulsa can turn its season around and become a contender in its conference.