Tulsa may play its way back into the Conference USA conversation after all, and if it does, coach Doug Wojcik can thank his bench.

Sure, senior guard Justin Hurtt is still putting together an all-league-worthy season, and junior center Steven Idlet is one of the more reliable bigs in the 12-team conference, but the way the bench has been producing lately has elevated Tulsa.

In a Jan. 15 win over UAB, a game in which the Hurricane handed the Blazers their first league loss of the season, Tulsa starters had just 14 rebounds, but the Golden Hurricane dominated the battle of the boards 37-23.

The frontcourt duo of Joe Richard and Kodi Maduka combined for 14 boards.

"For all the guys who played to contribute in their own way the way they did made for a great team win, which we hope will propel us from this point," Wojcik said.

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