Harding's Career Night Not Enough as Wichita State Falls to Tulsa

Graduate guard Jaila Harding scored a Division I career-high 24 points, but the Shockers couldn't hold off the Golden Hurricane's late surge.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Despite a career-high 24 points from graduate guard Jaila Harding, including six made 3-pointers, the Wichita State women's basketball team fell to Tulsa 75-65 on Tuesday evening. The Shockers got off to a hot start but couldn't maintain their momentum, as Tulsa rallied in the second quarter and pulled away late in the game.

Why it matters

The loss drops Wichita State to 5-18 overall and 2-8 in American Conference play, putting them at the bottom of the league standings. The Shockers have now dropped three straight games to Tulsa, who improved to 16-6 and 8-2 in conference.

The details

Harding's career night helped the Shockers jump out to an early lead, but Tulsa responded with an 8-0 run to start the second quarter and outscored Wichita State 21-8 in the period to take a 37-31 halftime advantage. The Shockers made a push in the third quarter to get within two points, but Tulsa regained control and pushed its lead to double digits late in the fourth quarter.

  • The Shockers led 23-16 at the end of the first quarter.
  • Tulsa went on an 8-0 run to start the second quarter and took a 37-31 lead at halftime.
  • Wichita State cut the deficit to two points midway through the third quarter, but Tulsa responded with a 5-0 run.
  • With under five minutes remaining, Tulsa extended its lead to double digits at 66-56.

The players

Jaila Harding

A graduate guard for Wichita State who scored a Division I career-high 24 points, including six 3-pointers, in the loss.

Hannah Riddick

A Tulsa player who led all scorers with 27 points in the win.

Mady Cartwright

A Tulsa player who scored 21 points and dished out 7 assists in the victory.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We had the chance to either go end the first quarter up nine, or you can go up double digits if you take the last shot. We tried to attack too early, had a turnover, and then they scored right at the buzzer. So, it goes from nine to six, and I think they got a lot of momentum from that play.”

— Terry Nooner, Wichita State Head Coach (thesunflower.com)

“We definitely need to take that personal. That will be talked about for sure when we have our next practice. But like I said, protecting home court has got to be more important to us.”

— Jaila Harding, Wichita State Graduate Guard (thesunflower.com)

What’s next

The Shockers will look to bounce back when they travel to play Charlotte on Saturday at 3 p.m.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the challenges Wichita State has faced this season, as they continue to search for consistency and a way to protect their home court against tough conference opponents like Tulsa. Harding's career night provided a bright spot, but the Shockers will need to find a way to close out close games if they hope to climb out of the American Conference cellar.