Wave Drops Hard-Fought Battle at SMU

Thursday, February 1

Dallas, TX

6 p.m.

Tulane University

SMU

Feb 1, 2024 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

DALLAS – Tulane University men's basketball (12-9, 3-6) lost its third consecutive game after its comeback attempt fell short at SMU (14-7, 5-3) on Thursday ultimately losing 80-76. The Green Wave had not lost three-straight games dating back to last season when Tulane dropped three in a row from February 22 to March 1.

The rebounding battle and second chance points were the ultimate difference maker in the contest between the Wave and the Mustangs. Tulane was outrebounded 52-33 including 19 offensive rebounds by SMU. Those offensive rebounds also turned into 24 second chance points for the Mustangs.

Offensively, the Green Wave shot 45.9 percent from the field and tallied 40 of its 76 points in the paint. Tulane also shared the ball well notching the team's ninth game this season with 15 or more assists finishing with 17.

On the defensive end of the floor Tulane recorded a season-high 10 blocks led by Collin Holloway with three.

Three players finished with double figures in scoring for the Wave including a pair with 20-point performances. Kevin Cross led all scorers matching his career-high with 27 points to go with seven boards, four assists, and two blocks. Sion James posted his fifth 20-point game of the season finishing with 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Off the bench, Tre' Williams tallied double digits for the third straight game recording 12 points and adding five boards.

Five players scored in double figures for the Mustangs led by the duo of Tyreek Smith and Ricardo Wright with 16 points each.

The contest began with an even attack by both teams as Tulane and SMU exchanged buckets before ultimately sitting at a 20-20 tie with 8:56 on the clock. The Mustangs claimed the lead for good down the stretch of the first half taking an eight-point lead in the final minutes. The Green Wave got the final basket of the opening half to put the score at 38-32 in favor of SMU at the break.

After the deficit expanded to nine early in the second half Tulane slowly chipped away to pull within one point, 50-49, with 12:53 to play. However, the Mustangs responded as the deficit reached as many as 14 points for the Wave with 6:43 remaining.

The Green Wave did not back down mounting a 12-2 run over the next four minutes to pull back within four at 69-65. Unfortunately, SMU had another response to the Tulane run and the Wave would not cut the deficit to less than four points down the stretch before ultimately losing 80-76.

Up next, the Green Wave will be back home in Uptown to host Temple on Sunday, February 4. Tipoff between Tulane and the Owls is scheduled for 3 p.m. on ESPNU.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL TULANE ATHLETICS APP
Download the official mobile app of Tulane Athletics. Now, you can stay in touch with the Green Wave anytime and anywhere on your Android or iOS mobile device.

TICKETS
Tickets for the 2023-24 season can be purchased by calling 504-861-WAVE (9283), logging on to TulaneTix.com or visiting the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center. Men's basketball season tickets are available for just $75 and women's basketball season tickets start at just $50.

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For behind-the-scenes coverage, follow Tulane men's basketball (@GreenWaveMBB) on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

WE ARE NOLA BUILT
Tulane University is located in the city of New Orleans. It is a city built on tradition and resiliency. The lessons Green Wave student-athletes have learned through their connection with this university and city have BUILT doctors, lawyers, business leaders, conference champions, all-conference players, All-Americans, professional athletes and NCAA tournament teams. The city of New Orleans has shaped us into who we are today. We are One City. We are Tulane. We are NOLA BUILT. Check out at NolaBuilt.com.