Tulane University
15-5, 6-2
East Carolina
9-11, 3-5
WBB Earns Thrilling 78-73 Win over East Carolina
Jan 23, 2016 | Women's Basketball
NEW ORLEANS - The (NR/RV) Tulane women's basketball team (15-5, 6-2 AAC) displayed some resiliency down the stretch this afternoon, emerging with a hard fought 78-73 victory over East Carolina (9-11, 3-5) on Saturday. Kolby Morgan, Leslie Vorpahl and Courtnie Latham all recorded double-digit scoring performances, combining for 57 of the team's points.
"We knew it was going to be a hard fought game," Tulane women's basketball head coach Lisa Stockton stated. "They're a very good team, very physical, and can get hot, which they obviously did this afternoon. Our rebounding number was very good for us today as well."
Both sides came out firing as Tulane took a 36-32 lead into half, ending the second quarter on a buzzer beating jumper from Vorpahl. The Wave shot 51.7 percent over the opening two quarters, spearheaded by Vorpahl's 14 first half points, compared to ECU's 48.1 percent which included five three-pointers.
With 7:34 to go in the third quarter, the Wave found themselves down 39-38. At that moment, Tulane rallied with a 9-0 run, scored solely by Vorpahl and Morgan, garnering their largest lead of the game at 47-39.
Flash forward to the start of the fourth quarter and East Carolina charged back after hitting three consecutive three-pointers to tie the game at 60, but Vorpahl quickly recaptured the momentum by hitting a trey of her own down on the other side of the court.
However, ECU would not go away, eventually hitting their 11th three-pointer of the game, second most against Tulane this season, to pull within one point at 73-72 with 1:25 to go.
Later up 74-73 with 18 seconds remaining, Chinwe Duru connected on two clutch free throws to push the lead back to three points. Next, freshman Meredith Schulte came up huge for the Wave, taking a charge on East Carolina's ensuing possession with nine seconds on the clock. Vorpahl then iced the game with two free throws to complete the final score of 78-73.
Vorpahl finished with a career best 27 points on a career high tying 10-of-16 day from the floor to go along with her team leading five assists. Morgan supplied 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting and reeled in six rebounds, the same as Vorpahl. Meanwhile, Latham notched her 7th game in double figures this season with 12 points, including a 5-for-6 day from the free throw line.
"I'm really proud of how our team handled the last five minutes," Stockton explained. "We stayed focused, kept going and executed on offense. I can't say enough about our rookies that had to finish that game. Both Leslie and Meredith had huge plays drawing those charges.to take the ball out of their hands."
Speaking of the rookies, Schulte finished with a career best seven rebounds, while Wyatt supplied nine points, tying her second best offensive showing on the year.
Up next, the Green Wave continue its home-stand by hosting Temple on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. CT, in a showdown between two of the top teams in The American Athletic Conference. For tickets, fans can call 504-861-WAVE (9283), or visit the ticket office in person at the Wilson Athletics Center located on Ben Weiner Drive.
