 Tulsa has two universities that compete at the NCAA Division I level : the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane , and the Oral Roberts University Golden Eagles . The University of Tulsa 's men 's basketball program has reached the Sweet Sixteen three times , made an appearance in the Elite Eight in 2000 , won the NIT championship in 1981 and 2001 , and won the inaugural College Basketball Invitational in 2008 . The Tulsa football team has played in 16 bowl games , including the Sugar Bowl ( twice ) and the Orange Bowl . Oral Roberts University 's men 's basketball team reached the Elite Eight in 1974 and won the Mid @-@ Continent Conference title three straight years , from 2005 to 2007 . 
