MBB: Green Wave take down Loyola, 89-69 in Exhibition
Nov 6, 2015 | Men's Basketball
NEW ORLEANS -- The Tulane men's basketball team hosted Loyola in exhibition action at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse Thursday evening and walked away with a lopsided, 89-69 victory over the Wolf Pack. Redshirt junior Malik Morgan debuted for the Green Wave after sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, and led the squad with 24 points. Jalen Gray led Loyola with 18 points on the night.
Both teams started slow on offense as the game was tied at just seven by the first media timeout. A quick three by Dylan Osetkowski out of the break in play helped spark a 21-3 run for the Green Wave. Tulane led by as many as 19 points in the first half, following a three from Morgan just past the midway point in the opening period.
With Tulane up 41-27 at the half, Morgan entered the locker room with 13 first-half points, while Louis Dabney also neared double figures with nine.
The Green Wave continued to roll in the second half, opening the new period on a 10-3 run, but Loyola did not let up its attack and eventually got back to within 10 with 6:20 remaining in the game. Despite the momentum shift, the Wolf Pack was never able to get the deficit within single digits.
Tulane out-rebounded the Wolf Pack 50-39 in the game, led by Osetkowski and Ryan Smith, who grabbed eight apiece. Osetkowski also added 13 points, while Dabney finished with 16 points and five rebounds. On top of his impressive scoring night, Morgan also tallied seven rebounds and four steals.
All five Tulane freshmen saw action against the Wolf Pack, with Melvin Frazier making the start. He finished the game with 10 points and five rebounds. Every Green Wave player that dressed for the game saw minutes.
Loyola saw two more players reach double figures in the game as Johnny Griffin didn't miss a field goal and put up 17 points, while Tre'Von Jasmine added 10.
The Green Wave will officially begin their 2015-16 season on Friday, Nov. 13, in another doubleheader with the women's team. The game against Alabama A&M is set to begin at 8 p.m. To secure season tickets for women's basketball, please call (504) 861-WAVE (9283) or visit the ticket office located on the first floor of the James W. Wilson Jr. Center.
