2014 NCAA Tournament Profile: Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Mar 15, 2014; El Paso, TX, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane guard James Woodard (10) celebrates with teammates after winning the Conference USA college basketball tournament over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 69-60 at Don Haskins Center. Woodard was named tournament MVP. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Record: (21-12, 13-3 CUSA)
RPI: 72
BPI: 83
Conference: Conference USA
How They Qualified: Conference USA Tournament Champions
Season Summary
Danny Manning knows a little bit about March Madness magic. Tulsa Golden Hurricane fans saw some of that this season in a competitive Conference USA season. This team had the makings of a disastrous season after losing 9 out of their first 13 games. And while losses to Creighton and Wichita State aren’t disconcerting; losses to Oral Roberts and Missouri State can cause some indigestion.
However, when the Golden Hurricane entered the conference season, leading scorer and rebounder, James Woodard picked up his game and helped save their season. They ended up tied for 1st with four other teams and then won the Conference USA Tournament to punch their NCAA ticket. Manning did a great job in righting the ship before it was too late.
What You Need to Know
Leading Scorer: James Woodard – 15.7 points per game
Leading Rebounder: James Woodard – 5.8 rebounds per game
Leading Passer: Shaquille Harrison – 9.8 assists per game
Bad Losses: Oral Roberts, Missouri State, TCU(twice)
Good Wins: Louisiana Tech, Indiana State, Southern Miss
What to Expect
The Golden Hurricane could prove to be disruptive to any team overlooking them. They may have had a sputtering start to the season, but they ended up winning 11 games in a row to close the season. Add the to the fact that they are coming off their win in the Conference USA Tournament, this is a team that Danny Manning has feeling confident and ready to dance in their bracket.