A New Chapter for Tulsa Basketball
The University of Tulsa’s men’s basketball program will kick off its season in the newly created Texas Legends College Classic, a showcase event that brings together top mid‑major programs in Frisco, Texas. The Golden Hurricane open against Utah State on December 19, then meet San Francisco two days later on December 21.
Both opponents arrive with strong recent pedigrees. Utah State finished the previous campaign with a 29‑7 record, captured the Mountain West Conference title and landed at No. 25 in the NET rankings. San Francisco, under head coach Chris Gerlufsen, posted 17 victories last year and has been hovering around 21 wins per season, underscoring the coach’s steady growth.
Series History Highlights
The matchup with Utah State marks the third meeting in program history and the first since 1966. Tulsa holds a 2‑0 edge in the series, having won both previous encounters in Tulsa.
San Francisco and Tulsa have not faced each other since 1965, and the upcoming game will be the first ever in Texas. Tulsa’s all‑time advantage over the Dons stands at 2‑0, with both wins occurring on home soil.
The Texas Legends College Classic is positioned as a springboard for teams aiming to boost their national profiles before conference play. For Tulsa, the event offers a chance to add another chapter to a storied program that has traditionally thrived in the Midwest, now testing its mettle on a larger stage.