BCSNN — Tulsa erased a 13‑point second‑half deficit and rode a dominant late surge from freshman Jaylen Lawal to defeat Stephen F. Austin 89–84 in overtime Tuesday night, advancing to the NIT second round.

The Golden Hurricane earned their 27th win of the season, matching the second‑most in program history.

Lawal scored 20 of his 24 points after halftime and in overtime, powering a comeback that saw Tulsa (27–7) outscore the Lumberjacks in the final minutes of regulation and control the extra period. Ade Popoola added 18 points, including four 3‑pointers, and recorded three steals. Tyler Behrend anchored Tulsa on the glass with 12 rebounds, while Tylen Riley scored 10 points and hit 8 of 11 free throws.

Tulsa opened the game with a Romad Dean layup and built early momentum behind Popoola’s shooting and playmaking. Stephen F. Austin countered with key baskets from Gediminas Alisas and Lateef Patrick Jr., who buried a fast‑break three to keep the game tight. Keon Thompson’s jumper in the final seconds of the half sent the Lumberjacks into the break with a 39–36 lead.

SFA extended its advantage to 50–37 at the 16:55 mark of the second half, but Tulsa responded with a 15–7 run fueled by Lawal and Ian Smikle. A Lawal three at 6:20 and Smikle’s layup at 13:38 helped trim the deficit to one. Popoola’s jumper with 28 seconds left gave Tulsa a 74–72 lead, but the Lumberjacks forced overtime after tying the game at 76–76.

In overtime, Tulsa leaned on its defense and free‑throw shooting. Lawal drilled a three with 46 seconds remaining to put the Golden Hurricane ahead 86–84, then secured a defensive rebound and added two free throws with 22 seconds left. Tulsa’s defense held firm as SFA missed multiple late threes, sealing the 89–84 victory.

Tulsa will host UNLV on Saturday or Sunday in the NIT second round.