Tulsa Edges Western Kentucky in Nail-Biting Finish
Friday, December 19, 2025, 7:30 PM ET · E.A. Diddle Arena
Tulsa Golden Hurricane 82, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 81, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Tulsa Golden Hurricane beat Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 82-81 at E.A. Diddle Arena on December 19, 2025.
Who was favored in Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Tulsa Golden Hurricane were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at E.A. Diddle Arena, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane narrowly defeated the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers with a final score of 82-81. This game was particularly significant as it showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with Tulsa entering the contest boasting an impressive record of 11-1, while Western Kentucky held a record of 7-4. The close scoreline highlights the competitive nature of college basketball, where every point can be pivotal.
Tulsa's recent form has been remarkable, as they extended their winning streak to seven games with this victory. Over their last ten games, they have posted a record of 9-1, averaging 89.0 points scored per game while allowing 71.0 points. Their last five games have seen them maintain an even higher scoring average of 94.4 points, demonstrating their offensive prowess. In contrast, Western Kentucky has had a solid run as well, winning seven of their last ten games, with an average of 84.8 points scored and 76.3 points allowed. However, their recent performance has been mixed, with a record of 3-2 in their last five games.
When considering home and away performances, Tulsa has excelled on the road, with a record of 4-1 in away games, while Western Kentucky has been strong at home with a 6-2 record. This matchup brought together two teams with distinct styles and strengths, making it an intriguing contest for fans.
In terms of previous meetings, this game added another chapter to the rivalry, but specific past results were not detailed in the provided facts. The injury situation was also not mentioned, leaving fans to speculate on the impact of player availability.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, favored Tulsa with a spread of -2.5, indicating expectations of a close game. The total points line was set at 158.5, suggesting that both teams were anticipated to score heavily, which was indeed the case given the final score.
Conditions in the arena were typical for a college basketball game, with a lively atmosphere and a competitive edge that often characterizes such fixtures. Fans witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with significant scoring plays that kept the outcome in doubt until the final moments.
As the game progressed, key moments included critical three-point shots and free throws that swung the momentum. Notably, Miles Barnstable hit a crucial 28-foot three-point jumper that brought Tulsa within striking distance, while Armelo Boone's free throws helped Western Kentucky maintain a slim lead late in the game. Ultimately, it was Barnstable again who sealed the game with another three-pointer that put Tulsa ahead just before the final buzzer.
This fixture not only highlighted the skills of both teams but also underscored the unpredictability of college basketball, where every game can turn on a single play. Fans can look forward to future matchups between these two competitive programs.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TLSA -2.5 | 158.5 o -108 / u -112 | Tulsa Golden Hurricane -142 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers +120 |
Leaders
- PointsGrant Newell28Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsTeagan Moore6Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsArmelo Boone12Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- PointsTylen Riley18Tulsa Golden Hurricane
- AssistsJaylen Lawal4Tulsa Golden Hurricane
- ReboundsJaylen Lawal5Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Recent form
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W184.8 scored · 76.3 allowed per game6-2 at home
- W102-59vs Campbellsville TigersDec 16
- L61-77at Marshall Thundering HerdDec 11
- W80-79vs Evansville Purple AcesDec 6
- W75-70vs Wichita State ShockersNov 29
- L91-97vs South Florida BullsNov 27
- L78-83vs Vanderbilt CommodoresNov 26
- W97-67vs Bethel (TN) WildcatsNov 19
- W95-82vs Tennessee State TigersNov 16
- W87-79at Eastern Kentucky ColonelsNov 11
- W82-70vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesNov 4
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Last 10: 9-1Streak W789 scored · 71 allowed per game4-1 away
- W83-70at New Mexico State AggiesDec 13
- W117-84vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsDec 11
- W98-74vs Missouri State BearsDec 6
- W111-60vs Manhattan Christian ThunderDec 3
- W63-60vs Northern Iowa PanthersNov 26
- W81-51at San José State SpartansNov 25
- W84-75vs Austin Peay GovernorsNov 22
- L83-84at Kansas State WildcatsNov 18
- W88-87at Oral Roberts Golden EaglesNov 13
- W82-65at Rhode Island RamsNov 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Florida | 25-9 | - | 15-3 |
| Tulsa | 30-8 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Wichita State | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| UAB | 20-12 | 4 | 11-7 |
| North Texas | 19-14 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Florida Atlantic | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Charlotte | 17-17 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Tulane | 18-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Temple | 16-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Memphis | 13-19 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rice | 13-18 | 8 | 7-11 |
| East Carolina | 11-20 | 9 | 6-12 |
| UTSA | 5-25 | 14 | 1-17 |
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Tulsa Golden Hurricane | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-53 | 25-61 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 11-33 | 12-29 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 41 |
| Free throws | 23-32 | 19-24 |
| Free throw % | 72 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 29 |
| Assists | 16 | 15 |
| Steals | 7 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 24 |
| Fouls | 19 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 11 | 84 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half49-51Jaylen Lawal makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-53Teagan Moore makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-53Myles Rigsby makes layup
- 2nd Half53-53Ian Smikle makes layup (Jaylen Lawal assists)
- 2nd Half53-56Grant Newell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Teagan Moore assists)
- 2nd Half54-56Ian Smikle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-57Grant Newell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-57Romad Dean makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (Jaylen Lawal assists)
- 2nd Half56-58Cam Haffner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-59Cam Haffner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-60Blaise Keita makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-61Blaise Keita makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-61Tylen Riley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-61Tylen Riley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-64Grant Newell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Teagan Moore assists)
- 2nd Half60-64David Green makes driving layup (Tylen Riley assists)
- 2nd Half61-64Tylen Riley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-64Tylen Riley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-65Grant Newell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-65Miles Barnstable makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-68Louie Semona makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ryan Myers assists)
- 2nd Half66-68Ade Popoola makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tyler Behrend assists)
- 2nd Half66-70Grant Newell makes layup
- 2nd Half66-71Grant Newell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-71Myles Rigsby makes layup (Tylen Riley assists)
- 2nd Half71-71Ade Popoola makes 26-foot three point jumper (Myles Rigsby assists)
- 2nd Half72-71Ade Popoola makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-72Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-73Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-73Tylen Riley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-73Tylen Riley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-75Armelo Boone makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half77-75Miles Barnstable makes 28-foot three point jumper (Tyler Behrend assists)
- 2nd Half77-78Cam Haffner makes 24-foot three point jumper (Teagan Moore assists)
- 2nd Half77-79Armelo Boone makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-80Armelo Boone makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-80Tylen Riley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-80Tylen Riley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-81Grant Newell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-81Miles Barnstable makes 27-foot three point jumper (David Green assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, below favours Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
Venue
- E.A. Diddle ArenaBowling Green, KY
- Attendance3547
- OfficialsTony Chiazza, Todd Austin, Shane Land
Elsewhere
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- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond