Tulane Tames No. 10 Tigers

Sunday, January 21

NEW ORLEANS

12 p.m.

Tulane University

Memphis

Photo by: Parker Waters

Jan 21, 2024 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

NEW ORLEANS – Tulane University men's basketball (12-6, 3-3) snapped a 53-game losing streak to ranked opponents by coming from behind in the second half to drop No. 10 Memphis (15-4, 4-2) 81-79 in Uptown on Sunday afternoon. The Green Wave trailed by as many as seven points in the second half, but 28 combined points from Sion James and Kevin Cross teamed with clutch scoring from Collin Holloway helped the Wave storm back for the victory.

With the win, Tulane recorded its first victory over a top 25 opponent since 1999 when the Green Wave defeated No. 25 North Carolina State 73-62. The win also marked the Wave's first win over a team ranked in the top 10 since 1983. Tulane earned its 14th all-time victory over Memphis and its first when the Tigers are ranked since 1992.

Keep the change & party like it's 1999❕#RollWave🌊 pic.twitter.com/FueapZwqQW
— Tulane Men's Basketball (@GreenWaveMBB) January 21, 2024

Twenty-point performances by James and Cross led a trio for the Green Wave in double figures against the Tigers. James finished with 22 points including four made threes, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Cross tallied 21 points, seven boards, five assists, two blocks, and two steals. Holloway was the third player in double figures for Tulane adding 13 points to go with a pair of assists.

As a team, the Tulane shot 41 percent from field and 42 percent from beyond the arc. The Green Wave drained 10 total three-pointers marking the seventh time this season the team has made at least 10 from downtown.

The first half action in Uptown saw five lead changes and five ties as Tulane and the Tigers traded blows. Memphis held its largest advantage of the frame at 28-22 with 5:57 on the clock, but the Green Wave responded with its best scoring run just before the break. Tulane scored eight-straight points to pull ahead 34-30 with 1:04 remaining, but the Tigers tied the score at 34-34 at the half.

Cross led the offensive attack in the first half for Tulane scoring 10 points including shooting 4-of-4 at the free throw line. The senior also set the tone on defense for the Wave recording both of his blocks in the first 20 minutes of action.

After an early second half advantage for Tulane, Memphis made the first run breaking a 57-57 with seven unanswered points. The seven-point deficit with under 10 minutes remaining was the largest deficit the Green Wave would face in the contest.

The Wave chipped away as it traded baskets with the Tigers over the next few minutes until making an 8-1 run to claim the lead 71-70 with 5:30 on the clock. James put Tulane up 74-71 with a corner three, but Memphis did not go down quietly.

A pair of free throws by Jahvon Quinerly of Memphis tied the game at 77-77 with two minutes to play. The Green Wave turned to Holloway on the other end of the floor and the junior converted. Holloway ratted home a contested layup and then drained two free throws on Tulane's next two possessions to put the Wave back in front 81-77. Memphis had two looks to tie or win the game in the final seconds, but Jaylen Forbes got his fingers on the final shot to deny the Tigers and secure the Green Wave win 81-79.

Up next, Tulane will hit the road to San Antonio to square off against UTSA on Wednesday, January 24. Tipoff between the Green Wave and the Roadrunners is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.

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