gophers/ncaa

Final Score: Tulsa 76, Northern Kentucky 56

San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - Rashad Smith had a game-high 23 points for Tulsa, leading the Golden Hurricane to a 76-56 victory over the Northern Kentucky Norse in the NUCDF Basketball Challenge from the Jenny Craig Pavilion.

Smith was 6-of-8 from the floor and 11-of-12 from the free-throw line in the victory for Tulsa (2-0) Scottie Haralson joined Smith in double figures with 10 points.

The Norse (0-2) were paced by Nate Snodgrass, who scored a team-high 12 points. Jalen Billups and Eshaunte Jones chipped in nine points a piece in the setback.

Northern Kentucky opened on a 9-0 run, but Tulsa battled back to trail by just two points at intermission (36-24). The Golden Hurricane shot a sizzling 60 percent from the floor over the first 20 minutes, but just 1-of-6 from behind the arc.

The Golden Hurricane took advantage of Northern Kentucky's cold shooting in the second half (6-of-23), including a 1-of-12 effort from long range. Tulsa outscored the Norse 42-20 over the final 20 minutes to put the game out of reach.

Tulsa made good on 58.7 percent from the field in the contest, despite a meager .273 from 3-point range. Tulsa dominated inside, outscoring Northern Kentucky 42-14 in the paint.

11/15 23:00:54 ET