TULSA, Okla. -- James Woodard scored 16 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer, to lift Tulsa to a 58-53 win over Middle Tennessee on Thursday night.

Tulsa (9-10, 4-1 Conference USA) took a 34-26 advantage into the break but had to scramble in the second half as Middle Tennessee took away the lead three times in the close contest. With the score tied at 53 and just 4 second left, Woodard nailed his third trey of the night to reclaim the Tulsa lead, and followed it up with a pair of free throws to put the game out of reach.

Lew Evans contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Golden Hurricanes, who won their second straight after an overtime loss to Charlotte last week.

Middle Tennessee (12-7, 2-2) outscored Tulsa in the second half, 27-24, but couldn't erase the eight-point halftime deficit.

Shawn Jones led the Blue Raiders with 22 points.