Memphis Tigers Edge Tulane Green Wave in Overtime

In a thrilling overtime finish, the Memphis Tigers narrowly defeated the Tulane Green Wave 96-95 at the Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse. The game showcased the intensity and competitiveness that both teams brought to the court, with Memphis managing to end a seven-game losing streak in dramatic fashion.

Tulane entered the matchup with a record of 17-14, having struggled recently with a streak of three consecutive losses. Their last ten games saw them split evenly with a record of 5-5, but they averaged only 69.0 points scored while allowing 78.3 points per game. In their last five outings, they averaged 67.2 points while giving up 83.0. The Green Wave had a mixed performance at home, holding a 2-3 record in their last five home games, which included a notable win over Rice but also heavy losses to teams like Temple and Tulsa.

On the other hand, the Memphis Tigers, with a record of 13-18, were on a downward spiral leading into this game, having lost their last seven games. Their recent form was poor, with a 2-8 record in their last ten games, averaging 75.9 points scored and 82.0 points allowed. They had also struggled on the road, with a 1-4 record in their last five away games. However, they had previously faced Tulane earlier in the season, losing 78-76 in a close encounter.

The two teams had met three times in the past two seasons, with Memphis holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record at 2-1. Their previous meetings included a close victory for Tulane earlier this season and a narrow win for Memphis last season. This backdrop added an extra layer of excitement to the matchup, as both teams were looking to assert dominance over each other.

In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either side, suggesting that both teams were at full strength for this critical encounter. This was important as both teams needed their key players to step up in a game that was expected to be tightly contested.

The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the game, with DraftKings setting the odds with Memphis favored by 2.5 points. The total for the game was set at 154.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The odds for the over were -105.0, while the under was slightly favored at -115.0. Memphis was listed with a moneyline of -148, while Tulane was at +124, showcasing the close nature of the matchup.

As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams were prepared to fight for every point. The scoring plays in overtime were particularly noteworthy, with several lead changes and clutch free throws. Aaron Bradshaw opened the scoring in overtime with a free throw, followed by Rowan Brumbaugh making a driving layup to give Memphis a brief lead. Quante Berry kept Tulane in the game with critical free throws, while Zach Davis and Brumbaugh exchanged baskets that kept the score tight.

Ultimately, it was Berry's late free throws that secured the win for Memphis, as they managed to edge out Tulane in a game that could have gone either way. The final score of 96-95 reflects the competitiveness of the matchup and the resilience of Memphis, who broke their losing streak in a must-win game.

Fans watching the game would have seen a display of skill and determination from both teams, with Memphis finally finding a way to close out a game after a long stretch of defeats. The performance of key players like Brumbaugh and Berry was crucial in the overtime period, and their ability to execute under pressure made the difference in this closely contested battle.