Tulane University
Savannah St
Green Wave Cruises Over Savannah State
Dec 20, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 20, 2002
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Tulane University scored its most points since 1997 as it rolled to a 103-47 victory over Savannah State on Friday evening at Fogelman Arena.
It was the most points scored by Tulane (4-5) since Nov. 29, 1997 when the Green Wave topped Southeastern Louisiana, 104-73. The Wave also set a school record with its 13 three-pointers in the victory as it posted the largest margin of victory in head coach Shawn Finney's three-year tenure.
The Wave used a balanced attack to cruise over Savannah State (0-7), with 12 players scoring points, including five with double figures.
Freshman Vytautas Tatarunas, playing in his second career game, scored his first career points on a pair of free throws in the first half and proceeded to explode for a game-high 18 points. Tatarunas, a native of Lithuania, had sat out the first six games of the year due to NCAA rules regarding playing with professional players as a European junior player.
"I am pleased for Vy," Finney said. "He has had to sit out early and it has been a tough adjustment. It is nice to see him have some success and gain some confidence."
Sophomore Ben Benfield also had a career day, tallying 17 points, including four three-pointers. Benfield led the long "wave" attack that surpassed the previous school record of 12 three-pointers established in 1997 against UAB and matched in 1998 against Stetson.
"Ben had been a little rusty because of his injury," Finney said. "But the break for exams gave him time to heal and he really shot the ball with confidence tonight."
Tulane was playing its first game since Dec. 10 as it had a nine-day layoff for final exams.
"I was a little worried about intensity because of the long layoff," Finney continued. "But I was very pleased that we played a full 40 minutes tonight. Regardless of our opponent, we have to play at our highest level every time out."
Senior Brandon Brown, the Wave's leading scorer, scored 13 points with seven rebounds while playing just 20 minutes. Nobody on the team played more than 20 minutes in the contest. Seniors Brandon Spann and Waitari Marsh also hit double figures with 11 points and 10 points, respectively.
Tulane opened the game with a three-pointer from Spann sandwiched by layups from Brown and senior Nick Sinville as it jumped out 7-0 and never looked back. Shooting 60.7 percent (17-of-28) from the field in the opening stanza, the Wave built a 52-24 halftime margin.
The Wave shot 51.6 percent (33-of-64) for the game, while holding the Tigers to 30.0 percent (18-of-60) shooting. Tulane forced 23 turnovers while committing just 14 itself, holding a 30-6 advantage in points off turnovers. It also dominated the boards by a 51-33 margin.
Tulane returns to action on Monday evening, hosting Jackson State at 7 p.m. at Fogelman Arena. Tickets are available by calling 504-861-WAVE or Ticketmaster.
