TULSA, Okla. – Coming into Tulsa, Oklahoma, this weekend, Austin Richardson has been finding his way.

Having recorded Top 5 finishes in three of the last four events he’s competed in, including two Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour showcases and a pair of Unleash The Beast appearances, Richardson continued to build on his successful winter by taking home his first round win of the year Friday night.

RELATED: Austin Richardson wins Round 1 of PBR Unleash The Beast event in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Bringing a perfect 7-0 career record into the matchup, Huckleberry and his Buckin Fun Group/Red Laces supporters felt good about the bull’s odds to keep the streak alive, but Richardson had other plans.

Courtesy of the electric 89.75-point ride atop the elite bovine athlete, Richardson had the crowd on its feet as he skyrocketed to the top of the event leaderboard.

“I just knew if I covered him for eight seconds, it could be a lot of points,” Richardson shared with Kate Harrison following the thrilling ride.

“It’s a bull that a guy wants to get on, has a lot of timing, and it just all came together.”

The qualified ride not only served as the best of the event, but was rather unorthodox in nature, as Huckleberry initially bucked out of the chutes with his back end first.

“It means the world. Having a bull come out backwards and then going back the other way is kind of difficult, but I was able to keep calm, stay collected and make it to the 8.”

Conquering the difficult out, yet barely missing the 90-point mark, Richardson reflected on his score.

“Yeah, it felt like a 90-point bull ride, but the judges had to mark me on how I was supposed to ride the bull, so it was all great, I had a bunch of fun,” Richardson concluded.

Showcasing some dance moves after recording the best score of the evening, Richardson hit the ever-popular “griddy” while celebrating with the energetic crowd.

“Riding here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been a fun time. Last year here I rode for 94.75 on Woopaa and this has been a really great time out here.”

His 89.75-point score represents the Dallas, Texas, native’s highest of his 2023 Unleash season, and the highest since he logged the rank mentioned ride against Woopaa on April 15, 2022.

After securing a crucial 28 Unleash The Beast points Friday for capturing the round win, Richardson leads the pack heading into Saturday night’s second go and ensuing championship round and will square off with Mule Train in Round 2 as the 23-year-old looks to capitalize on his momentum.

The action inside BOK Center will begin Saturday, Feb. 11 at 6:45 p.m. CT, with Round 2 set to air on CBS at 11 a.m. CT on Sunday, Feb. 12. The entire slate of action, featuring Round 2 and the championship go, will be broadcast Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network.

Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media