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Tulsa's Season Ends with AAC Tournament Loss to East Carolina

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 23:02 GMT by Tulsa World
      Locales: Oklahoma, Missouri, UNITED STATES

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Tulsa Golden Hurricane men's basketball team saw its season come to a close Sunday with a 76-63 defeat at the hands of East Carolina in the opening round of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament. The loss at Simmons Bank Arena caps off a challenging season for Tulsa, finishing with a 10-21 overall record.

The game highlighted the struggles that plagued the Golden Hurricane throughout the year, particularly inconsistent shooting and a troubling propensity for turnovers. Conversely, East Carolina (17-13) executed efficiently on both ends of the court, capitalizing on Tulsa's mistakes and controlling the game's tempo.

From a statistical perspective, the disparity was clear. Tulsa managed a mere 37.5% shooting percentage from the field, connecting on just 21 of their 56 attempts. Their long-range shooting was particularly ineffective, hitting a dismal 5 of 23 from beyond the arc - a paltry 21.7% clip. The Golden Hurricane also committed 15 turnovers, providing East Carolina with extra possessions and scoring opportunities.

East Carolina, on the other hand, showcased a significantly more polished offensive performance. They shot 48.9% from the field (27 of 55) and connected on 8 of 18 three-point attempts (44.4%). Crucially, they dominated the boards, securing 35 rebounds compared to Tulsa's 27, giving them multiple second-chance points.

Leading the scoring for East Carolina was Jayden Cooper, who notched 18 points. Vance Anderson added 14, and RJ Felton contributed 11 points to a balanced offensive attack. For Tulsa, Anthony Walker led the way with 15 points, while Pierre Mitchell added 13.

The game's momentum swung decidedly in favor of the Pirates early on. Tulsa struggled to find its rhythm and fell behind, ultimately facing a 38-29 deficit at halftime. Despite attempts to mount a comeback in the second half, the Golden Hurricane were unable to overcome the early hole and the consistent pressure from East Carolina.

Tulsa head coach Eric Pearlman acknowledged the key factors contributing to the loss in his post-game comments. "We didn't take care of the ball," he stated. "We didn't shoot it well. They did a good job rebounding. It was a combination of things." This assessment reflects a season-long theme for Tulsa, where a lack of consistency in fundamental areas often proved costly.

East Carolina coach Michael Perry emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, "We scouted them a lot. We knew they were a good team. We just had to execute our game plan." His comments underscore the significance of thorough scouting and strategic implementation in tournament play. Perry's Pirates advanced and will face a tougher challenge in the next round.

Looking Ahead: Tulsa's Rebuilding Phase

The 10-21 record signifies a difficult season for the Golden Hurricane. This result likely initiates a period of rebuilding and evaluation for the program. Questions now turn to recruitment and player development. Tulsa will need to address the deficiencies in shooting, ball security, and rebounding that were exposed throughout the season.

Potential areas for improvement include adding more consistent offensive threats, particularly from the perimeter, and strengthening the team's interior presence. The coaching staff will likely prioritize recruiting players who possess strong fundamentals and a high basketball IQ. Furthermore, a focus on developing existing players' skills and fostering a more cohesive team dynamic will be critical for future success.

The AAC is becoming increasingly competitive, with several programs consistently making strong runs in the NCAA Tournament. For Tulsa to regain its footing and become a contender, a comprehensive and sustained effort in all aspects of the program is essential. This loss to East Carolina, while disappointing, serves as a clear indicator of the work that lies ahead. The Golden Hurricane faithful will be hoping for a more competitive and successful season in 2027.