Preview: Struggling Shockers Face Surging Golden Hurricane in AAC Women’s Basketball

TULSA, Okla. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in trajectories will be on display Tuesday night when the Tulsa women’s basketball team hosts Wichita State in an American Athletic Conference matchup at the Donald Reynolds Center.

The Golden Hurricane (8-4) enter the contest riding momentum from a signature road victory, while the Shockers (3-10) look to halt a skid in the final game of the calendar year.

Tulsa is coming off its most impressive win of the season, a 74-67 triumph at Florida on Dec. 21. Guard Mady Cartwright powered that effort with 26 points and three assists, highlighting a recent surge. Over her last five games, Cartwright is averaging 16.8 points, including a 26-point outburst against the Gators and 19 in a loss at Creighton. She forms a potent backcourt duo with Hannah Riddick, who added 19 points against Florida.

Wichita State, meanwhile, seeks to rebound from a heartbreaking 46-45 home loss to Middle Tennessee on Dec. 20. It was the latest narrow defeat in a season full of them for the Shockers, who have lost six games by single digits. Guard Jaila Harding, the team’s focal point, logged 38 minutes and scored 11 points in that loss. Over her last five outings, Harding averages 11.4 points and has shown scoring versatility, including a 17-point, four-rebound, four-assist performance in a win over Oral Roberts.

The matchup pits Tulsa’s efficient offense against a Wichita State squad that has struggled to score consistently. The Golden Hurricane have topped 100 points once this season and average 73.2 points per game. The Shockers average just 59.2 points and have been held under 60 points in seven of their 10 losses.

Historically, this series has been closely contested, adding another layer to the conference opener. Following Tuesday’s game, Tulsa opens a road stretch at Tulane on Jan. 6. Wichita State returns home to host Tulane on Jan. 3.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST Tuesday at the Donald Reynolds Center.