TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa pulled down 53 rebounds and made 38 of 50 free throws Saturday in an 84-62 victory over South Alabama.
The Golden Hurricane remained unbeaten at 4-0. South Alabama fell to 3-2.
Late First-Half Run
South Alabama stayed close for most of the first half before Tulsa closed the period with a 12-0 run, 10 points of which came at the free throw line. The Golden Hurricane led the rest of the way, and the Jaguars got within 12 points only twice in the second half.
Tulsa, whose lineup included a 7-foot center and two 6-foot-10 forwards, held a sizable edge on the boards.
Free Throws the Difference
South Alabama was whistled for 29 fouls, sending Tulsa to the line 50 times. The Golden Hurricane’s free throws accounted for 45 percent of their points. The Jaguars held Tulsa to 38.9 percent shooting from the field.
“We held them to 38 percent shooting and did what we wanted to there and put 62 points up on the board,” South Alabama coach Ronnie Arrow said. “But when you shoot 50 free throws you’re going to score a lot of points.”
Arrow said his team must improve its rebounding. “We’re still not rebounding like we should,” he said. “We have guys standing around. Our ‘3s’, ‘4s’ and ‘5s’ have got to rebound better than what we’re doing.”
Jaguar Leaders
Tim Williams led South Alabama with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. Gary Redus II added 11 points off the bench.
Thanksgiving Classic Next
South Alabama hosts the second annual USA Thanksgiving Classic on Wednesday and Thursday at the Mitchell Center. Wednesday’s opener matches Georgia State against Utah Valley at 5 p.m., followed by South Alabama against Alcorn State at 7:05 p.m.
Sledge Signs With Jaguars
Arrow announced Friday that Labree Sledge of Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, has signed a National Letter of Intent with South Alabama.
Tyler went 24-6 last season and tied for the North Zone championship with a 14-5 league record. The Apaches lost in the semifinals to Paris Junior College, which was led by current Jaguar Raymond Sims.
Sledge was fourth on the team in scoring at 9.8 points per game. He made 63 3-pointers, shot 42.9 percent from 3-point range and had 67 steals.
“Sledge is one of the best shooters in that conference,” Arrow said. “You always have room for a shooter of his caliber. Not only that, but his high school coach said he was the best defender on the ball they had. So he brings shooting ability plus defensive ability, which is good.”
