WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State built early momentum and battled until the end, but Tulsa pulled away late as the Shockers fell 75-65 on Tuesday evening inside Charles Koch Arena.
 
Wichita State (5-18, 2-8 American) came out sharp, shooting 60 percent in the opening quarter and jumping out to a 23-16 lead after 10 minutes. Jaila Harding set the tone early, knocking down three triples in the first quarter, helping the Shockers to their second-highest scoring first period of the season and best since their game one win over Lincoln.
 
Tulsa (16-6, 8-2 American) responded in the second quarter, holding WSU to eight points while using a 21-point frame to take a 37-31 lead into halftime. The Golden Hurricane capitalized at the free-throw line in the period, going 11-for-13, to swing the momentum.
 
The Shockers regrouped out of the break and matched Tulsa punch for punch in the third quarter. Wichita State poured in 20 points, thanks to a 10-point quarter from Harding and a pair of baskets by Bre'Yon White.
 
Tulsa sealed the game in the final period, shooting over 60 percent in the quarter and extending the lead to double digits midway through the frame. Wichita State continued to compete, cutting into the deficit late, but couldn't fully close the gap.
 
Individually, Tulsa was led by Hannah Riddick, who finished with a game-high 27 points on an efficient 10-of-12 shooting, while Mady Cartwright added 21 points and seven assists.
 
For Wichita State, Harding led the way with a career-high 24 points, hitting six three-pointers against Tulsa for the second time this season, and added six rebounds. Bre'Yon White chipped in a career-high tying 12 points off the bench, and Taya Davis dished a season-high 11 assists.
 
Wichita State finished the night shooting 44.1 percent from the floor and knocked down seven triples, while Tulsa connected on 49.0 percent of its shots and went 18-of-21 at the free-throw line.
 
The Shockers return to action on Saturday, Feb. 7 at Charlotte.