Tulsa holds off Charlotte 79-74 as Barnstable scores 25 in key AAC home win

A close finish after Tulsa’s fast start

Tulsa defeated Charlotte 79-74 on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at the Donald W. Reynolds Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in an American Athletic Conference men’s basketball game that tightened late after the Golden Hurricane led by 11 at halftime.

Tulsa carried a 41-30 advantage into the break, then withstood Charlotte’s second-half push to close out a five-point win. The result moved Tulsa to 21-6 overall and 9-5 in AAC play, while Charlotte fell to 13-13 and 7-6 in conference action.

Three-point volume shapes the numbers

The teams’ shot profiles underscored how the game unfolded. Tulsa attempted 41 three-pointers and made 18, while Charlotte went 11-for-28 from beyond the arc. Charlotte finished with the stronger overall field-goal percentage (28-for-55), but Tulsa’s combination of three-point makes and a 13-for-18 night at the free-throw line provided separation.

Rebounding was even (30-30), but Tulsa collected nine offensive rebounds to Charlotte’s four, creating additional possessions in a game decided by five points. Both teams committed 11 turnovers, limiting the advantage either could gain through transition opportunities.

Barnstable leads Tulsa; Mingo drives Charlotte’s offense

Miles Barnstable scored 25 points to lead Tulsa, adding five rebounds and four steals. Ade Popoola contributed 18 points, with five made three-pointers. Tylen Riley finished with 15 points and seven assists and hit a decisive free throw with 1:19 remaining to put Tulsa ahead 73-72, a lead it did not relinquish.

For Charlotte, Dezayne Mingo posted 19 points and nine assists, serving as the focal point of the 49ers’ late-game offense. Anton Bonke and Damoni Harrison added 17 points apiece as Charlotte attempted to erase the halftime deficit.

What the result means in the conference race

The win provided Tulsa a needed conference result as the AAC schedule moved deeper into February, while Charlotte left Tulsa still looking to stabilize after a stretch that had included recent losses. The teams had met earlier in the season, and Tulsa’s second win over Charlotte reinforced its position in the conference standings.

• Final: Tulsa 79, Charlotte 74
• Halftime: Tulsa 41, Charlotte 30
• Top scorer: Miles Barnstable (Tulsa), 25 points
• Charlotte leader: Dezayne Mingo, 19 points and 9 assists

Tulsa’s late edge came from timely free throws and three-point production, while Charlotte’s efficiency inside the arc kept the outcome in reach into the final minutes.