What Is Tulsa Basketball?
Tulsa basketball refers to the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane men’s and women’s basketball programs, which compete in NCAA Division I and represent the city of Tulsa on the national stage. The men’s team plays in the American Athletic Conference and hosts home games at the Donald W. Reynolds Center, while the women’s team shares the same arena and league, giving the school a unified basketball identity.[2][3]
In 2025-26, Tulsa basketball is drawing attention thanks to the men’s team’s fast start and the women’s team’s continued growth against a challenging schedule.[1][3] With both programs facing quality nonconference and conference opponents, Tulsa has become a notable stop in the broader college basketball landscape.
Tulsa Men’s Hot Start and Star Performances
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane men’s team has raced out to a 9-1 record in the early part of the 2025-26 season, highlighted by wins over Oklahoma Christian, Rhode Island, San Jose State, Northern Iowa, Missouri State, and Arkansas–Pine Bluff.[1] Their only early loss came by a single point on the road at Kansas State, a result that still bolsters their strength-of-schedule profile.[1] High-octane scoring nights, including a 111-point outburst against Manhattan Christian, underscore their offensive potential.[1]
Individual efforts have amplified the program’s momentum. In a 117-84 victory over Arkansas–Pine Bluff, forward Malick Lawal led the way with 20 points as Tulsa overwhelmed its opponent with depth and pace.[1][4] Such performances, combined with a schedule that tests the team in neutral and hostile environments, suggest that Tulsa could be a dangerous mid-major once postseason conversations begin.
Schedule, Showdowns, and Program Impact
Tulsa’s 2025-26 schedule is built to prepare the team for the American Athletic Conference gauntlet, with nonconference road games, neutral-site contests, and home tilts that challenge different facets of its game.[1][2] A neutral-court matchup against New Mexico State has been spotlighted as a particularly intriguing showdown between rising programs, with national coverage framing it as a chance for Tulsa to grab another statement win.[1][5] Additional games against Western Kentucky and Denver add to a résumé that could impress selection committees if Tulsa continues to win.[1]
Once conference play begins, Tulsa will face a demanding run of games against Rice, North Texas, South Florida, Charlotte, UAB, Memphis, Wichita State, and more, with television coverage spread across ESPN platforms.[1][4][6] Promotional events at the Reynolds Center aim to boost attendance and atmosphere, strengthening the home-court edge and deepening community ties.[2] Meanwhile, the women’s team’s slate—including Arkansas–Pine Bluff, Florida, Wichita State, Tulane, and Temple—ensures that Tulsa basketball remains visible throughout the season and continues to play a significant role in the city’s sports culture.[3]