TULSA, Okla. (Interstat) — In a crosstown showdown defined by grit over grace, the Tulsa women’s basketball team remained undefeated by outlasting Oral Roberts 78-69 in overtime Monday night at a raucous Mabee Center.

The Golden Hurricane, now 4-0, needed a monumental fourth-quarter comeback and a dominant overtime period to fend off the feisty Golden Eagles, who fell to 2-3.

Hannah Riddick was the undeniable force for Tulsa, pouring in a game-high 27 points. The 6-foot-1 forward from Calgary, Canada, was relentless, adding crucial rebounds and assists while playing 32 minutes in the physically demanding contest. Her performance in the extra period was particularly decisive, as she consistently attacked the rim to help Tulsa pull away.

The game was a statistical anomaly, a sloppy yet fiercely competitive affair where both teams struggled to maintain possession. Tulsa committed 27 turnovers, while Oral Roberts gave the ball away 24 times. The game was not won with sharp shooting but with sheer determination and an ability to capitalize in critical moments.

Tulsa’s offense was stagnant for long stretches, held to just 10 points in the third quarter as Oral Roberts built a lead. The Golden Eagles, led by the dynamic guard play of Gentry Baldwin, seemed poised for an upset. Baldwin, a 5-foot-5 guard from Bixby, Oklahoma, finished with 21 points and was a constant threat, slicing through the lane and creating opportunities for her team.

However, the fourth quarter belonged to Tulsa. After being outscored in the second and third periods, the Golden Hurricane erupted for 24 points in the final frame of regulation. The surge was a team effort, fueled by defensive stops and key contributions from role players.

Mady Cartwright, who played a team-high 40 minutes, provided a steadying presence and finished with 15 points. Abby Jegede added 13 points, including a crucial block in the final minutes of regulation, and Alisha Peavy chipped in 11 points and two blocks, providing vital interior defense.

For Oral Roberts, A’Maya Holton was a force inside, scoring 14 points and swatting two shots before fouling out in overtime. Kayten Donley facilitated the offense with five assists to go with her 10 points in 39 minutes of action.

The game was a tale of efficiency, or lack thereof. While Oral Roberts actually made more field goals, 24 to Tulsa’s 22, the Golden Hurricane lived at the free-throw line. Tulsa attempted 41 free throws, making 29, compared to Oral Roberts’ 26 attempts and 17 makes. This disparity proved critical in a game where points were at a premium.

In overtime, Tulsa’s defense clamped down, holding Oral Roberts to just six points while scoring 15 of their own. Riddick and Cartwright controlled the pace, and the Golden Hurricane finally seized a lead they would not relinquish.

The announced crowd of 1,670 witnessed a classic rivalry game that featured 13 ties and 15 lead changes. Despite the loss, Oral Roberts showed significant fight against a previously unbeaten city rival, while Tulsa demonstrated the resilience required to protect a perfect record.

Tulsa next hosts Missouri State on Saturday. Oral Roberts faces a quick turnaround with a road game at Nebraska on Wednesday.