It also helped that BYU made 53 percent of its shots to 36 percent shooting for Tulsa. In fact, the Hurricane took 19 more shots than BYU and had a 12-point advantage in second-chance points. But after the Cougars regrouped at halftime and recognized the challenge of defending Tulsa stars Jerome Jordan (14 points and 13 rebounds) and Ben Uzoh (15 points and six steals) BYU was a lot more active defensively in the second half and more efficient on offense. Both helped BYU become the team that was not only winning the hustle battle, but the game as well.

"Those are things that kind of get the other team a little bit passive and back on the heels," Rose said.

When Tavernari rattled in a 3-pointer from up top with 13 minutes remaining the Cougars finally passed the Hurricane, leading 45-44. The lead changed hands seven times over the next few minutes before Fredette began attacking the basket, scoring five straight points to put the Cougars ahead for good and leading 59-53.

"I figured that we needed to be a little bit more aggressive, so I started driving and had some opportunities to score," Fredette said.

With BYU having 10 teams fouls, Tulsa cut into the lead by drawing fouls and going to the charity stripe. When Jason Hurtt hit four straight foul shots and Bishop Wheatley one, the Hurricane had cut BYU's lead to 69-66 with 1:24 left.

But the Cougars never allowed Tulsa another good look at the hoop, while Cummard protected the lead and secured the win by sinking 5-of-6 free throws in the final minute. The Cougar co-captain said the game had a similar feel to the Arizona State game, in which the Cougars blew a 9-point lead down the stretch, but this time around BYU was playing to win rather than not to lose.

"I kept telling these guys that we're playing to win, we're playing to win and our guys made big plays down the stretch," Cummard said. "That shows growth in this team and these players."

Game notes: Tuesday's game at Tulsa was a homecoming of sort for Cougar freshman forward Noah Hartsock, who was a prep star at nearby Bartlesville High. With many friends and family in attendance, however, Hartsock played only three minutes, had no rebounds, no points and missed one free-throw attempt . . . One year ago Wojcik publicly criticized Tulsa's students, administration and fans for the apathy they were showing for the Hurricane basketball program. Since that public lashing the Hurricane have had a pep band at every home game and an attendance increase, but maybe the holidays are to blame for a brief relapse. There were many empty seats Tuesday at the Reynolds Center, with the official attendance listed at only 5,585.

GAME NOTES: Tuesday's game at Tulsa was a homecoming of sort for Cougar freshman forward Noah Hartsock, who was a prep star at nearby Bartlesville High. With many friends and family in attendance, however, Hartsock played only three minutes, had no rebounds, no points and missed one free-throw attempt ... One year ago Wojcik publicly criticized Tulsa's students, administration and fans for the apathy they were showing for the Hurricane basketball program. Since that public lashing the Hurricane have had a pep band at every home game and an attendance increase, but maybe the holidays are to blame for a brief relapse. There were many empty seats Tuesday at the Reynolds Center, with the official attendance listed at only 5,585.

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E-mail: jimr@desnews.com