Recap vs. ECU

"Coming into this game, we thought East Carolina was playing great basketball and they did some things that we thought would give us some problems. They are a good offensive transition team and a very good rebounding team. We worked on those two things the last day and a half and it paid off for us,” head coach Dave Dickerson said after the ECU game.

ECU proved to be no problem for Tulane as it defeated the Pirates 72-56. The Green Wave is now 14-6 on the season and 4-2 in C-USA. ECU falls to 7-11 with only one victory against a C-USA opponent.

Tulane begin the game with an early run, but ECU responded with a 14-4 run of their own and took a 20-15 lead. However with the help of David Gomez, Robinson Louisme and Kevin Sims, who each scored seven points in the first half, Tulane was able to lead going into the locker-room for the half 30-23.

The Wave started off the second half with another huge run. ECU was able to get within four but that was the closest the Pirates could get all second half. Tulane had a 19 point lead three times in the final five minutes of the game.

Stat of the Game: Three, the number of C-USA opponents that Tulane has managed to hold under 60 points.

Player of the Game: Senior David Gomez was 8-13 in scoring against ECU. The game against the Pirates was Gomez’s eight straight game in which he scored in double figures. Louisme and Simes also scored in double digits.

Matt Forte's Magical Season Continues

Update: Here are video highlights of the game.

Proving that his 2000+ yard season was no fluke, Matt Forte undoubtedly impressed NFL scouts this week at the Senior Bowl. He capped off the week in style as he was named MVP of the Senior Bowl. Forte led the South team with 59 rushing yards on 8 carries and also caught 3 passes for 38 yards.

Running back is by far the deepest position in the 2008 draft, but Matt Forte has definitely shot up draft boards. Next up for Forte will be the scouting combine in February and Tulane's Pro Day later this spring. Only 4 Green Wave players have been drafted in the first round; Forte could very well be the 5th.

Preview: Men's Basketball vs. ECU

Tulane (13-6, 3-2 Conference USA) vs. ECU Pirates (7-10, 1-3 C-USA)

Saturday, January 26th, 2008 6 pm
Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum


Overview: Tulane is coming off a three game winning streak in C-USA after victories against Tulsa, Rice and most recently SMU at Fogelman. Now the Wave begins a three game road stretch on Saturday against ECU. The Pirates have only won one C-USA game this year, a home victory against Marshall. ECU is 6-7 at home this season while Tulane has a 4-2 record against schools while playing in the Eastern Time zone.

Last Meeting: Tulane has a five game winning streak against ECU, which is the longest against a C-USA member. Last year Tulane won both its games against ECU, 65-56 in North Carolina and 88-72 in Fogelman. In that senior night game, then junior David Gomez and senior Chris Moore combined for 42 points.

Scouting ECU: The Pirates are coached by Mack McCarthy a former ECU associate head coach who got the full head coaching position when Ricky Stokes’ resigned in 2007. McCarthy has a 309-177 record at head coach of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Virginia Commonwealth. Senior guard Darrell Jenkins set the ECU single season record for assists with 166 in the 2006-7 season. He was ECU’s leading scorer in their recent lost to UAB. Off the bench sophomore John Fields, became the first freshman to lead C-USA in field goal percentage, shooting 62.4 percent from the field in the 2006-7 season. ECU is averaging 69.8 points and 34.4 rebounds per game this season.

Player to Watch: Look for sophomore point guard Kevin Sims to be running the floor. In Tulane’s game against SMU he controlled the pace in the second half, speeding up play thus givingTulane the chance to stretch its narrow point lead and hold off SMU for scoring for seven straight minutes.

Prediction: History will be proved correct again in the game against ECU. Tulane will continue their winning streak against the Pirates and their winning streak in C-USA. This will be a good start to Tulane’s three game stretch away from Fogelman. Tulane wins 76-52.

Recap vs. SMU

The victory over SMU was almost expected as the Mustangs have been performing poorly all season starting off 0-4 and they only have one win in C-USA. Tulane took the lead in the beginning of the game, only to lose it at the 12 minute mark, not regaining it until the very end of the half. SMU had the last play of the half, but a quick save by Vianney and a quick three-pointer that almost bounced out, only to finally go through the net as the buzzer to end the half sounded, secured the advantage for Tulane going into the locker room.

Sims controlled the tempo of the second half, speeding things up and SMU went into a seven minute scoring drought. Tulane was able to build their lead as SMU fouled on several shots giving Tulane many opportunities at the “and one” play. Tulane wins the game 67-52 in its third C-USA victory in a row.

Stat of the Game: 1608, the attendance of the game. The number is not very significant, but rather the fact that all Tulane fans in attendance were loud and really got into the game. Some games Fogelman feels like a neutral site, with little fan participation, but this was not the case against SMU.

Player of the Game: Surprise, surprise David Gomez. The senior has really stepped up as a leader for Tulane by being the overall leading scorer in many games (he had 18 against SMU) and converting on clutch plays such as the three pointer to end the half.

Quote of the Game: “I really wasn’t expecting it at all. But as soon as they were taking the ball down, Eric (Vianney) made a tremendous steal and was smart enough and quick enough to pass it to me and at that point I just put it up and tried to get it towards the rim and I got lucky enough that it fell.” –David Gomez on his three-point attempt to end the half.

Tulane vs. SMU 2nd Half

The classic three point play ruled the second half. Each team had ample opportunities of “and ones” as it seemed that almost every shot made had a foul accompany it.

The crowd in Fogelman was loud. Some students behind the press table said “this is way basketball should be played, fast and loud.” The crowd definitely helped bring energy to Fogelman and secure Tulane's third C-USA win in a row. Tulane advances 13-6 (3-2 in C-USA) and SMU falls again to a C-USA foe on the road.

19:58 SMU starts out with possession in the second half.

18:38 Puckett three pointer is Tulane’s first points of the half expanding their lead to 32-30.

18:24 Tulane’s lead was short lived as SMU ties the game at 32 apiece.

17:42 Fall’s dunk puts SMU in the lead for the first time this half, 34-32.

17:19 Killen at the foul line, but can’t get a shot to go in.

16:45 Gomez scores two.

16:16 foul on Gomez, Dickerson tries to reason with the refs.

16:01 Louisme has the chance to take the lead for Tulane, but misses both foul shots.

14:43 Traveling violation on the Mustangs.

13:37 The shot clock winds down and Gomez takes a hurried shot, missing a three pointer.

12:38 Malone scores three in an chance at an “and one” giving SMU their biggest lead of the game 40-24.

12:15 Mayhan scores two.

12:06 Sims can’t convert for three on a chance at a “and one” play.

11:33 SMU misses a hurried shot as the shot clock is about to expire.

10:54 Roberts scores with a breakaway, SMU is up 42-38.

10:22 Stith scores a layup, cutting SMU’s lead to two.

10:17 Gomez fouls Fall while shooting, who makes his shot at an “and one”

10:08 Stith takes the line and makes his shot at an “and one” bringing Tulane with in two, 45-43.

9:21 Puckett scores with the assist from Stith, tying the game at 45 apiece.

9:01 Mayhan makes his second foul shot, putting Tulane up by one.

8:27 Killen misses a three point shot, then runs down the court to fouling Sims.

8:23 Sims makes both of his “one and one” shots, Tulane is leading 48-45.

7:57 Killen’s shot is denied by Stith.

7:25 Killen misses a three as the shot clock winds down.

7:11 Scuffle for control of the ball at mid-court on the floor, Tulane is charged with a shot clock violation.

6:53 Vianney rebounds a missed shot from SMU.

6:47 Wheaton scores both his foul shots, Tulane has its largest lead of the half, 50-45.

6:27 Sims scores on a breakaway.

5:59 Tulane speeds up the pace of the game. Wheaton is charged with a foul.

4:24 Sims scores long three pointer.

3:53 Gomez is fouled on his shot, bringing him to the line for yet another “and one” opportunity, which he makes. Tulane leads 58-45.

2:45 Gomez is called with traveling at the baseline.

2:19 Fall scores a basket for SMU, their first since the nine minute mark.

1:50 Puckett lets loose a three.

1:19 Killen shoots a three. SMU is still down 13 as Tulane leads 63-50.

1:17 Vianney makes one of his two free throw attempts.

1:02 Stith runs the length of the court to score a lay-up.

41.7 The end of game fouling starts as SMU founds Vianney again, who makes only one of his foul shots.

31.1 Vianney fouls Fall, who makes both of his foul shots. Tulane still leads 67-52.

0.0 Everyone in Fogelman stands as the game ends. Tulane wins their third C-USA game in a row, 67-52.

Tulane vs. SMU 1st Half

Tulane Starters:

Kevin Sims
Daniel Puckett
Robinson Louisme
David Gomez
Matt Wheaton

SMU Starters:

Paulius Ritter
Jon Killen
Bamba Fall
Mike Walker
Ryan Harp

SMU is a struggling team, who recently lost to Tulsa at the buzzer, a team that Tulane beat in overtime. SMU didn’t score in the first four and a half minutes of the game against Tulane.

Tulane gave up the lead at the 12 minute mark and didn’t regain it until the last two minutes of the half. However Vianney’s amazing save and Gomez’s in and out and finally in, three point shot gave Tulane the lead going into the locker room.

SMU is shooting 47.8% in the first half, while Tulane is only shooting 36.7%.

Tulane is doing a good job not sending SMU to the line. SMU is 2-2 at the line in their only trip there this half. Tulane is 5-8 at the charity stripe.

Gomez leads all scorers with 13 points.

19:58 SMU wins the tip.

19:35 Gomez misses first shot for the Wave. Tulane gets the ball back and Lousime scores two.

17:07 SMU’s Walker tosses ball to Gomez as a turnover, but Gomez can’t convert.

16:19 Harp shots an air ball, the crowd reacts.

16:04 Gomez makes both foul shots.

15:34 Fall scores SMU’s first two points.

15:08 Sims scores two, Tulane’s up 6-4.

13:29 Fall scores a lay-up for SMU. Tulane is still up 10-8.

12:40 Killen misses a jumper, Puckett rebounds.

12: 16 Killen scores three putting SMU in the lead for the first time, 11-10.

11:47 Killen scores again. 13-10

11:03 Gomez scores two, narrowing SMU’s lead, 13-12.

10:04 Tulane’s defense fails and Falls scores wide open three, up’s SMU’s lead to 16-12.

9:35 Louisme scores two. SMU is still up 16-14.

9:03- Harp silences the crowd who’s taunting him after his earlier air ball by scoring three.

8:19 23 Mayhane travels, Puckett replaces him in the lineup.

7:36 Gomez misses a lay-up. SMU knocks the ball out of bounds, but Tulane can’t convent on their second chance.

6:29 Wheaton scores a long three. 19-17, Tulane is trailing by two.

5:23 Gomez scores on a backdoor cut, tying the game at 19 apiece.

4:42 Spencer finally scores for SMU on their third rebound.

3:46 Gomez tips one in tying the game again, this time at 21 apiece.

3:42 Walker sinks both foul shots on SMU’s first trip to the line. SMU is up by two, 23-21.

2:56 Sims fouls Killen, for his first foul of the game.

2:08 Fall fouls Stith, who scores on the classic three point play. Wheaton replaces Mayham in the lineup. Tulane is leading for the first time since SMU first took lead at the 12 minute mark.

1:50 Malone scores putting SMU up by one, 25-24.

1:08 Gomez scores two.

37.2 A two by Walker quiets the crowd who was chanting “defense” and SMU is up again, 27- 26.

6.12 Gomez misses a lay-up. SMU has possession of the ball and calls a time out to set up the potential last shot of the half.

0.12- 0.0 Vianney almost knocks over at the press table as he saves the ball and tosses it to Gomez who’s three bounces in and out of the basket before finally going in as the buzzer to end the half sounds. Tulane takes the lead into the locker room 29-27.

Preview: Men's Basketball vs. SMU

Tulane (12-6, 2-2 Conference USA) vs. SMU Mustangs (6-10, 0-3 C-USA)
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 7 pm
Fogelman Arena


Overview: After a less than stellar performance against Rice this past weekend, the Wave take on another team struggling this season in SMU. After four straight losses to begin the season, SMU reeled off six wins in seven games to improve to 6-5. However, the Mustangs have struggled of late with 4 straight losses. The Mustangs are currently 288th in RPI, while Tulane sits 118th.

Last Meeting: SMU defeated the Wave last season 55-53 in Dallas. The Wave led by double figures for a majority of the contest, but a shooting slump in the last 7 minutes, in which they could only muster 7 points, ultimately led to the Wave's demise.

Scouting SMU: The Mustangs are led by 2nd year head coach Matt Doherty, the former boss at North Carolina. Three players average double figures for the Mustangs led by Joe Killen with 11.7 points. Bamba Fall and Pape Dia average 10.9 and 10.6 points respectively. Dia also leads the Mustangs with 6.8 rebounds per contest. SMU is 1-3 and averages 61.2 points per game on the road this season. The Mustangs have also shot well from beyond the arc, shooting at an impressive 33.2% clip.

Player to Watch: Johnny Mayhanne has become one of the Wave's primary weapons off of the bench along with Donnie Stith. With every game, Mayhanne seems to be more and more confident, which should only help the Wave's depth. The bench should see a lot of action this game, assuming the Wave shows up for 40 minutes.

Prediction: The last game against Rice should have provided some valuable lessons for the Wave. I expect them to play much better against SMU. Wave wins 72-58.

Matt Forte @ the Senior Bowl

Day 2

Matt Forte continues to impress NFL scouts in Mobile.

Day 1

While most of us have gotten to see how good Matt Forte is on the football field, the NFL is now beginning to see glimpses of his potential. The Senior Bowl is the marquee all-star game for college seniors and Forte has started the week off on the right foot.

Recap vs. Rice

It wasn't supposed to be this hard for the Wave. Going into halftime with a 36-24 lead against a 3 win Rice team, the second half was supposed to closely resemble the first. However, on the heels of a 20-4 run to begin the second half, the Owls unthinkably took a 4 point lead with 12 minutes left in the game.

Benched at the outset of the game for being late to a team meeting, David Gomez began to assert his will on the Rice frontmen and hit four free throws in a row to give the Wave a 1 point lead with 10 minutes left that seemed to stop the bleeding. The game then swung back and forth until two steals and dunks by Donnie Stith finally put Rice away with 3:41 left.

The Owls never got closer than 4 points the rest of the way and the Wave defeated Rice 61-56. Gomez led the Wave with 17 points, 11 of which came from the free throw line and Johnny Mayhanne and Matt Wheaton had 8 apiece. It was a very sloppy game on both sides, with each team committing 21 turnovers. After shooting 50% from the field in the first half, the Wave shot just 26% in the second. However, despite the struggles, the Wave still managed to come out with their first conference victory at home.

Stat of the Game: 11-13 FT's for David Gomez. Arguably, it was Gomez's presence in the post that kept Rice from pulling the upset. The undersized Owls frontline could not handle Gomez, especially in the second half.

Player of the Game: Donnie Stith/David Gomez

Quote of the Game: "Very good win. We're still trying to find our identity as a team. It's always good to get a win playing the way we played in the second half." - coach Dave Dickerson

Tulane vs. Rice 2nd Half

Wave improves to 12-6 and 2-2 in Conference USA play. The Wave will have to play better than they did in the second half or it could be a long season. I expect the Wave's next practice will not be easy.

Gomez finishes the game with a game high 17 points, with the bulk of those coming at the free throw line. Sims added 12 and Wheaton and Mayhanne had 8 apiece.

0.0 The game ends as the Wave are able to hang on 61-56 in a contest that was a lot closer than it should have been.

3.4 Stith commits a questionable foul on Britton. Likely wont matter as he hits both.

10.6 Britton commits the over-the-back foul on Stith. He hits both shots for a 61-54 lead.

32.6 Gomez hits one of two free throws to extend the margin back to 5.

39.6 Stith commits the turnover in the backcourt and Rice will have it. A foul on Sims will give the Owls two free throws. Foster hits one of two and the Wave have a 4 point lead, 58-54

45.0 Packevicius lays it in easily after a nice pass from Foster. It's not over yet as Wave have the ball leading by 5.

55.7 Sims will have two free throws as Ghoram commits the turnover and Foster fouls Sims in the backcourt. Sims hits both for a 7 point lead.

1:09 Stith drives the length of the floor but can't finish the dunk. Wheaton is there for the putback and the Wave lead by 5, 56-51.

1:36 Packevicius is fouled going to the hoop and makes one of two free throws

1:56 Rice throws it away but Stith can't corral it as it rolls into the backcourt. A break for Rice as they get the ball back still down 4.

2:24 Wheaton misses a three pointer and Puckett can't tip it in. Rice ball

2:50 Rice commits the turnover and the Wave will have the ball after the last official timeout of the game.

3:05 Stith misses the three pointer. I know Stith was excited but he still can't be taking that shot with the Wave up 4

3:38 Stith with another beautiful steal and throws it down again for the second time. The crowd is as loud as its been all game.

4:26 Pierre Beasley hits two free throws for Rice and the game is tied once again at 50 apiece.

4:46 Stith steals the ball and throws it down with a thunderous one handed dunk. Wave up 50-48.

5:01 Gomez misses the jumperand it rolls out of bounds.

5:07 Mayhanne misses the jumper but Rice is unable to secure the rebound. Sims will inbound with 17 on the shot clock

6:11 Louisme commits the foul on Ghoram, who hits two free throws to tie the game at 48

6:37 Britton commits the foul and Gomez will have a one and one. Gomez has 13 points thus far, 9 of which have been from the line. The front end is good but Gomez misses the second. Tulane leads 48-46

7:55 Mayhanne hits a jumper from the low post and Tulane retakes the lead 47-46

8:30 Louisme is called for charging and Rice converts after a Ghoram jumper falls. The Wave is down by 1, 46-45

8:59 Louisme commits another turnover but Mayhanne steals right back.

9:42 Louisme is called for the foul but after further discussion, Packevicius is called for traveling. Dickerson still unhappy but things seem to be turning around for the Wave finally.

10:15 Gomez is beginning to assert his authority now. He is fouled again in the lane and hits two free throws to give Tulane the lead 45-44.

10:48 Rice air-balls a jumper but Wheaton and Louisme both go for the rebound and Rice retains possession. Dickerson can only shake his head.

11:12 Rice three pointer goes in and out --very very lucky for the Wave as that would have been a 6 point lead. Gomez is fouled at the other end and has two free throws. Both are good and Wave cuts the lead down to 1. The crowd is in it for the first time this half.

11:32 Puckett is fouled and will shoot two free throws after the official timeout. This will be a very big point in the game for the Wave. With every possession, Rice is gaining more and more confidence. Puckett hits one of two to cut the Rice lead to 44-41.

11:47 Foster hits a three pointer for Rice and they have their biggest lead of the ballgame, 44-40.

12:23 Gomez will try to stop the bleeding as he has two free throws. Nothing has gone right for the Wave this half. Gomez hits both free throws to make it a one point game.

13:27 Rice hits another jumper and extends the lead to 3. They are on a 17-2 run in the half.

14:10 Stith commits the turnover and Rice converts on the other end. Owls now up by 1

14:57 Stith with a good hustle on the loose ball but possession is given to Rice. The officials huddle up to review the call. Rice retains possession after the review.

My bet would be that Dickerson gave his team an earful at that last timeout. Let's see if his message got across.

15:35 Loose ball on Mayhanne will give the ball back to Rice and they will have a chance to take the lead. Just remarkable the way this game has turned around.

15:46 Sims misses the jumper and Ghoram hits a jumper from the free throw line. Rice cuts the lead down to one.

16:17 Gomez commits the turnover and Packevicius scores on the jumper. The Wave are starting down a very slippery slope as the lead is down to three.

17:27 Gomez hits two free throws to finally end the Rice run. The Wave lead 38-31

17:43 Wheaton misses both free throws and Dickerson obviously looking upset. Tulane has not scored this half.

18:17 Louisme misses the gimme dunk and then gets called for offensive interference as the ball was still above the cylinder. Beasley then hits a three pointer and the Wave lead is quickly down to 5.

18:37 Dickerson calls timeout as Rice hits a jumper to cut the lead to 8. Obviously not the way the Wave wanted to start the second half.

19:42 Sims misses a jumper and Puckett can't hang onto to it as it goes out of bounds to Rice. Foster converts on the other end after a nice pass from Patrick Britton. Wave up 10 at 36-26

Tulane vs. Rice 1st Half

Rice has failed to take advantage of the Tulane turnovers scoring just 4 points compared to the Wave's 13. However, the Wave will have to be smarter with the basketball in the second half in order to put this one away.

Halftime Leaders

Sims 10 points, 5 assists
Wheaton 6 points, 2-2 3pt FG

It's been a very sloppy first half with 19 total turnovers. Tulane is hitting 50% from the field while Rice has struggled, shooting just 35%.

0:01 Foster misses the three pointer as the half ends with Tulane leading 36-24

0:39 Foster hits a jumper as the shot clock hits zero and it goes in. 36-24 Tulane. The Wave call a timeout as they will hold for the final shot. There is a .4 second differential between shot and game clock

1:16 Mayhanne hits a three pointer to give the Wave a 36-22 lead.

2:20 Mayhanne hits the jumper to extend the Wave lead to 11.

2:38 Packevicius finishes the three point play after getting a friendly roll from the rim. Wave lead back down to 9 at 31-22

2:55 Sims hits a three pointer with the shot clock winding down. That breaks a 6-0 Rice run.

3:37 Rice will have two free throws after Beasley grabs the offensive rebound off a Foster three point miss. Beasley hits both and the Wave lead is down to 9.

4:10 Louisme misses the fast break layup after Rice was unable to convert a 3 on 1 fast break. That just about sums up the way the first half has gone for both teams.

4:55 Rice turns the ball over again, that's their 11th just this half and Sims is fouled in the backcourt. Sims hits both free throws for a 28-13 lead.

5:25 Rice misses both free throws and Louisme is fouled at the other end. Louisme is unable to hit either free throw but is bailed out as Rice is unable to secure the rebound. Sims hits a one handed floater for a 26-13 lead.

5:49 Gomez hits the soft hook in the lane to extend the lead to 24-13.

6:50 Another Rice turnover but Louisme is unable to finish. Brian Beasley is then fouled by Vianney and will shoot two free throws. He hits one of two to cut the lead to 22-13 Wave.

7:31 A jump-ball after Louisme gets tied up with two Rice players. The Owls will have the ball after the timeout trailing 22-12.

9:26 Sims hits a three from the top of the key to give the Wave a 20-10 lead. Rice then turns the ball over. Several substitutions in for the Wave as Mayhanne, Louisme, Richard, and Asim McQueen enter the game.

11:16 Turnover on Stith as he throws it too high for Gomez. The Rice shot is blocked from behind by Puckett and Wheaton hits a three from the left corner. Wave up 17-8

11:56 Wheaton gets drawn into the air after a good pump fake by Packevicius.

12:16 Matt Wheaton hits the Wave's first three of the ball game. Wave now lead 14-6

12:47 Gomez puts a nice pump fake on the defender and is fouled and the shot drops. Gomez finishes the three point play and the Wave have their largest lead of the game 11-5

13:09 Three consecutive blocks by Louisme is all for naught as Sims turns it over on the fast break. Louisme gets a nice round of applause as Stith replaces him in the lineup.

14:30 Puckett finishes the alley-oop with a one handed slam. Lousime then muscles the ball through for another Tulane basket on the next possession to give the Wave an 8-5 lead.

It's been a very sloppy game thus far with multiple turnovers on both teams

14:59 Mayhanne is fouled and will have two free throws after the official timeout. He hits one of two to cut the lead to 1 at 5-4.

15:18 Rodney Foster hits the three for Rice. Owls up 5-3.

16:17 Traveling on Louisme gives the ball back to Rice. Louisme then makes for it by forcing the turnover on the other end.

17:47 Richard hits a jumper from the free throw line to give the Wave their first lead of the ball game 3-2.

18:56 Great defense by the Wave and Rice is called for a 10 second violation

19:07 Robinson Louisme hits one of two free throws to cut the lead to 2-1 Rice.

19:20 Rice takes the early lead after a fast-break layup off of a missed three by Kevin Sims

Stith, Mayhanne, and Richard are getting the starts today in place of Gomez, Puckett, and Wheaton

Rice figures to be in for a long game due to several recent injuries. Two members of the football team have even seen action this season for the Owls.

The Green Wave take on the Rice Owls this afternoon. A less than average crowd has shown up for tonight's game. However, the Sound Wave make their triumphant return to Fogelman Arena after a month hiatus.

Preview: Men's Basketball vs. Rice

Tulane (11-6, 1-2 Conference USA) vs. Rice Owls (3-13, 0-3 C-USA)
Saturday, January 19th, 2008 5 pm
Fogelman Arena

Overview: Coming off an overtime win against Tulsa on the road, the Wave host the Rice Owls this Saturday. This will mark the first of a two game homestand for the Wave. The Wave are looking for their first conference victory at home this year, after a heartbreaking loss to UAB 62-61 in the opener. This is the first of two meetings between these two teams as Tulane will travel to Houston in two weeks.

Last Meeting: The Wave split their two games against Rice last season. The Owls defeated the Wave 75-70 in overtime in the first meeting, but Tulane was able to avenge the loss by blowing out Rice in Fogelman Arena 75-55.

Scouting Rice: To say that Rice has struggled so far is an understatement. The Owls are coming off of a 77-50 loss to #3 Memphis and haven't come close to winning a game thus far in conference play. The Owls have struggled without Morris Almond, who is now plying his trade for the Utah Jazz in the NBA. Couple that with 'home' games that are actually away from their campus due to renovations have led to their rapid fall. While their usually is a silver lining, their simply isn't one for the Owls, who have been blown out in most of their losses. Paulius Packevicius is the only player to average double figures in points with 10.4, and the Owls average just 55.4 points as a team.

Player to Watch: The team seems to go as Kevin Sims goes. Against a seemingly overmatched Rice squad, Sims will have to manage the Wave offense to avoid the upset. The Wave as a team, must also not overlook their opponent as they did against Alabama State in the first half.

Prediction: If the Wave plays like they should play, Wave in a rout 70-50.

Recap: Tulane 67, Tulsa 65

After consecutive disheartening defeats to the hands of UAB and UTEP respectively, the Green Wave got back on track Wednesday topping Tulsa 67-65 in an overtime thriller. Senior David Gomez paced the Wave with 16 points with sophomore Kevin Sims adding 14. Tulane erased an 8 point deficit with 8 minutes left in regulation to force overtime. In the extra period, the Wave managed to hold off a late Tulsa run with clutch foul shooting. Tulane improved to 11-6 with the win.

Player of the Game- Tulane forward David Gomez

Stat of the Game- 36.1%
Tulane was able to hold Tulsa to this relatively anemic field goal percentage while connecting on 41.4% themselves.

Quote of the Game- Head Coach Dave Dickerson
This was a really good win for our guys and for our program. The one thing we talked about was winning on the road in this conference and what we had to do as a program. Everyone was patting us on the back for our non-conference performance and our RPI. But what we had to do was get Conference USA tough. Our backs were against the walls and we circled the wagons. Our guys worked hard and we knew if we rebounded the basketball we would have a chance to win this game. My hats off to all of our guys and coaches for getting a road win against a team that doesn't lose at home. It was a very commendable effort for our players and coaches.

Coming Up
Tulane will match up against conference foe Rice at Fogelman arena Saturday, January 19th.

DC Kaumeyer accepts job at Kentucky

Green Wave Defensive Coordinator Thom Kaumeyer accepted the job of Defensive Backs coach at Kentucky this past week, ending a short one-year stint with Tulane. While it seems like a lateral move on the surface, Kaumeyer actually played for Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks at Oregon in the late 1980's. He also coached under Brooks in the NFL, so the two have a lot of experience together. Tulane led Conference USA in rushing defense (132.6) under Kaumeyer last season. Kaumeyer was hired by head coach Bob Toledo last season after serving as defensive coordinator for San Diego State.

Analysis: Don't be surprised if Kaumeyer becomes Kentucky's defensive coordinator down the line. Brooks probably assured Kaumeyer he would be next in line for the job. As for the Green Wave defense, the unit played fairly well by Tulane standards but still didn't live up to expectations considering how many seniors it had on the defensive line. In addition, the defense played terrible in fourth quarter almost every game and cost the team at least two games (Memphis and Army come to mind) because of its ineptness against no-huddle offenses.

Recap: UAB 62, Tulane 61

The Green Wave fell in a heartbreaker 62-61 Friday night. The Blazers brought the ball up with 10 seconds left after forward David Gomez missed the second of two free throws. With less than two seconds left in the game, referees called a foul on guard Kevin Sims for reaching in on UAB guard Ed Barrios, who was in the act of shooting a three pointer. Barrios hit all three free throws. The Green Wave couldn't get a final shot off and subsequently fell to 10-5 on the year.


Players of the Game: UAB guard Ed Barrios (or the officiating crew, depending on your perspective)

There were a few main problems with calling a foul on Sims on the final possession:

1) Barrios initiated the contact. The UAB point guard was trapped in the corner by forward Donnie Stith and Sims and had nowhere to go. In desperation, he flung his body forward into Stith and Sims, who both had position and weren't moving.

2) Some observers say the foul was on Sims because he reached in on Barrios, not because of the contact on the shot. In this scenario, the Blazers should have only shot two free throws, not three, since the foul occurred before the shot and there is no continuation rule in college basketball. This certainly would have been a ticky-tack foul as well.

However, head coach Dave Dickerson thought it was a good call, and there wasn't a lot of complaining on the Tulane side. In any case, Barrios' decision to fling himself a the basket in hopes of drawing a foul was a heady play and resulted in a win for the Blazers.

Stat of the Game: 50

The Green Wave defense broke down in the second half, allowing the Blazers to hit 50% of their shots compared to only 30% in the first half. Many of UAB's points late in the game came on easy penetration to the basket. The help defense seemed as step too slow on every play. Offensive rebounds also kept UAB in the game down the stretch and allowed the hot-shooting Blazers more opportunities. The final rebounding margin was 40-29 in favor of the Blazers.

Quote of the game: Head Coach Dave Dickerson

"I thought it was a good call (the foul on UAB's last second shot). We're not complaining about the call. We had our chances to win this game and hats off to UAB and (Ed) Berrios. Whenever you can go to the line with 1.6 seconds and win the game with three back-to-back free throws is a hell of a job. They made all the right plays and we didn't. It is as simple as that. We missed a free throw that would have tied the situation up and would have forced over time, and we had an easy shot in front of the basket and missed that. The bottom line is we couldn't rebound the ball enough to win the game. They out-rebounded us and made all the tough plays, and we have to go back and work on that."

Coming Up Tulane will continue conference play on the road with games against Southern Miss tomorrow and Tulsa on Jan. 16.

BCS Championship Part 3

3rd Quarter:
14:53- Game resumes- LSU first down

*LSU's offense is totally warping OSU's #1-ranked defense at this point; the Tigers are finding openings everywhere to gain more yardage.
10:30- OSU 4th personal foul- intentional harm to punter. LSU first down
9:13- First and goal LSU
9:04- LSU in for another touchdown, to raise the score to 30-10. Good field goal launches LSU to 31-10 lead.
*Side note: This is getting ridiculous. I am recanting what I said about Coach Tressel in the previous post. There is no reason that the #1 defense in the country should be losing it this badly. At this point, I (as an OSU fan) was ready to turn the game off from sheer annoyance. However, I believe in perseverance, so I will continue to recap this runaway matchup.
8:03- OSU QB runs in a wide-open field for the first down, but the team cannot convert into another first down. Ball goes back to LSU
5:43- OSU switching up its field position, holding LSU to 2nd and long
4:54- LSU breaks through OSU defense yet again for another first down
3:44- OSU's Malcom Jenkins intercepts ball, runs it to the 11
1:59- OSU stopped to 4th and 5- OSU scores touchdown; punt is good to bring the score to 31- 17 LSU

4th Quarter:

14:33- 3rd straight stop by OSU defense, forces LSU's Fischer to punt. OSU gets the ball at its own 20.
13:30- OSU first down, gaining of 17 at the 40-yard line
13:06- Wells shows his speed and great vision, picking up a first down for Ohio State
12:47- the Buckeyes are picking up momentum, running the ball well for another first down
11:29- 3rd and 4 for Ohio State- Beckman gets sacked
10:40- OSU time out, while at 4th and 7
10:31- OSU Qb's pass blocked and the ball is loose; players scrambling; LSU gains possession
8:15 OSU gains the ball back
7:04- Wells, off a 4th and 1 play, gains the much-needed first down for OSU
6:49- 13-yard completion for the Buckeyes, good for a first down.
6:31- Beckman hit from behind by Glen Dorsey (where has he been all night?), drops the ball, but recovers it
5:43- LSU intercepts Beckman's pass, gains possession
3:00- Murphy runs ball to 27 yard line
1:50- LSU touchdown
1:42- OSU returns the ball to the 46-yard line
1:29- flag for interference on the play on OSU; 15-yard penalty for a first down for OSU
1:13- OSU touchdown pass from Beckman to Hartline and kick is good for a 38-24 ballgame

And that's the Game. Congrats to LSU, they played it well and (despite my overwhelming bias) deserved to win this thing. OSU has a very young team, with only 3 starting seniors, so expect to see big things from those kids next year.

What are your thoughts? Were you as annoyed as I was by the 5 personal fouls on Ohio State as I was? Do you still think that LSU and OSU should have been in this championship? or should USC have had a shot at the BCS title?

BCS National Championship Part 2

2nd Quarter:

OSU Coach Jim Tressel has been very gutsy with his calls so far and it has definitely paid off.

14:15- LSU QB Ryan Perriloux now in the game
13:56- Perriloux- runs ball for close to a first down. OSU's Denlinger called for a late hit--LSU first down
13:10- personal foul- face mask grab on OSU, first down
13:00- LSU's Tight End(82) Richard Dickson scores 13-yard touchdown to tie game at 10.
12:45- OSU's Wells- long 1st down run past half field.
12:37 Robiskie- first down run.
12:05- OSU flag- pushed back 15 yards to make it 2nd and 25.
10:55- LSU stops OSU field goal attempt
8:55- LSU's Holliday manuveres through OSU defense to make 3rd and short. Sets up for an LSU 1st down.
7:25- Brandon Lafell- LSU touchdown. LSU leads 17-10
6:18- LSU interception to the 28-yard line
5:26 -Dixon makes catch at OSU's 1-yard line
*The momentum seems to have have changed drastically, as LSU has definitely taken control of the game
4:16- LSU touchdown; the Tigers have obtained 24 unanswered points

BCS National Championship- Ohio State vs LSU: Part 1

Though Tulane did not get a bid to a Postseason NCAA bowl this year, it seems a crime to overlook the biggest event in college football that's taking place in our backyard. LSU vs Ohio State: a game in which many sports experts claimed that neither team deserved to attend because of this mess of a reguar season. A game that many commentators claimed would only be watched by Tiger and Buckeye fans.
As an avid Ohio State fan (and Tulane student), I will say that I am gunning for OSU to pull through with the victory because if the team wants to be taken seriously next season, it must pull off this win, especially after last year's embarrassing loss to Florida. However, I will not overlook LSU,as the Tigers are the obvious favorites tonight with homefield advantage.

*Side note- Very clever how Glenn Dorsey parodied Forrest Gump in the game's pre-show. Even OSU fans can appreciate that.
That being said, let's get this show on the road!

1st quarter-
13:34- 3rd play of the game-Ohio State touchdown, (28)Chris Wells- run-in 65-yard touchdown.
12:53 to go in 1st- LSU gains possession, snap from Brett Helms sails by Flynn, recovers ball at own 5, LSU must punt.
12:03- 69-yard punt, OSU regains ball at the 41-yard line
11:53 -(3)Tailback Brandon Saine- catch at LSU's 15-yard line--wide open catch on the outside formation!
10:55- False start-on Ohio State's Rehring (71)-to make it 2nd and 10
9:12- Pretiorus scores field goal to make it 10-0 Ohio State.
8:20- LSU regains the ball
7:37- LSU (9)-Ducett obtains the Tigers' first first down of the night
6:26- Handoff to Hester-gain of 20 yards
5:59 Flynn to (9) Ducett- long pass
4:29- Handoff to Hester- gain of 4, inside the OSU 12 yard line.
2:31- LSU time out
2:25- Flynn stopped by OSU defense; Colt David scores 32 yard field goal. OSU leads 10-3.
1:28 - Wells- 5 carries, 87 yards, 65-yard touchdown
*Ohio State is definitely more aggressive this year, putting so much pressure on the ball at every point in the game.
0:07- LSU fumble- at 15 yard line; LSU regains ball at its own 15-yard line.
End of 1st

LSU Recap

The Tulane men's basketball team finally got rid of the curse that's been hanging around for almost 26 years by defeating LSU 68-63. It was a complete team effort with Donnie Stith and Johnny Mayhanne providing big efforts off of the bench. As usual, the Wave were led by David Gomez who had a double-double, and Kevin Sims, who committed zero turnovers in 30+ minutes of action.

It was a back-and-forth affair all night long, but the Wave came through when it mattered in the final three minutes. With the game tied at 63, Daniel Puckett hit a jumper in the lane to give Tulane the lead. After Anthony Randolph missed a baseline jumper, Puckett then hit one of two free throws to make it a three point game. This forced LSU to shoot a low-percentage three from the baseline on its next possession. Stith then hit two free throws for the final margin of victory.

Stat of the Game

17-19 FT's

Tulane shot an impressive 90% from the line that made sure that each possession did not go wasted. LSU meanwhile, was only 9-14 from the line.

Player of the Game

Donnie Stith

It is hard to pick out one player that is deserving of this award, but Stith made some key free throws late in the game and grabbed key offensive rebounds that allowed Tulane extra possessions.

Post-Game Quotes

Tulane coach Dave Dickerson

On beating LSU for the first time since 1982:

"What a great win for our program, our guys played extremely hard for 40 minutes and everyone stepped up."

On the Wave's excellent free-throw shooting:

"We felt that LSU had to foul us because they were so small inside"

"(jokingly) I'll take credit for the free throw shooting. The offseason work on free throw shooting, where we made everyone shoot 350 free throws, definitely helped us tonight at the line."

On Johnny Mayhanne:

"He's a talented player that didn't get to play much last season because of a knee injury.It was just his night to step up and he made some big shots."

On the team's future:

"I hope we continue to get support from the fans, there are great things going on with this basketball team."

Tulane forward David Gomez

On beating LSU:

"I can't even begin to describe how it feels to beat LSU being from Baton Rouge."

On being able to control the lane:

"We outweighed them and were able to negate their length because we were able to get far enough into the lane."

"The foul trouble on (Anthony) Randolph was part of the gameplan because they only play 7 or 8 guys."

LSU Coach John Brady

"We gave ourselves a chance to win it at the end, and that's all you can ask for. I'm not disappointed with the effort that we gave out there tonight"

"That's the best Tulane team we've played since the rivalry was renewed."

Tulane vs. LSU 2nd Half

Wave grab their 10th victory of the year, 68-63 defeating LSU for the first time since 1982 in the NIT. A big win for the Green Wave is simply an understatement.

9.0 Martin air-balls a three and Wheaton grabs the rebound. Tulane then runs out the clock to loud applause from the crowd.

16.2 Randolph misses the jumper and Stith gets the rebound. He is then fouled by Spencer and will shoot two free throws. Stith hits both for a Wave 5 point lead.

LSU calls its last timeout as the crowd comes to its feet. The big thing here is that the Tigers need a three to tie.

24.0 Martin then fouls Puckett in the lane. He has two huge free throws coming up. Puckett hits 1 of 2 for a three point Tulane lead.

52.1 Randolph miss is corralled by Stith.

1:07 left and 31 on the shot clock. LSU will inbounds from half-court.

1:13 Puckett with a big basket in the lane as the Wave now lead by two with just over a minute left. LSU calls their last full timeout, they have just a 30 left.

1:47 Thornton commits the foul on Gomez, who will have two free throws. Gomez hits the first and then the second. The loose ball goes off of Martin and the Wave will have the ball tied at 63.

LSU in the full court press

2:15 Randolph hits both and LSU back up by a point. Dickerson calls a 30 second timeout at a crucial juncture

2:45 LSU turnover on the pass attempted for Randolph. Sims brings it up but Stith turns it over. Randolph is fouled on the other end by Gomez and will have two big free throws.

3:12 Mayhanne at the line after a foul on Thornton. He hits both and the Wave now up by 1

3:13 Randolph dunks the ball off of the LSU miss and the Tigers lead by 1.

3:50 LSU will have the ball down 60-57 after a Tulane foul. Randolph will shoot two free throws. First free throw is good as is the second. LSU down 1 and in the full court press. Gomez can't handle the ball and it'll be LSU ball

4:16 Wheaton hits the front end of a one-and-one and then the second to give the Wave a three point lead.

4:47 Spencer hits a three as the Wave now lead by just 1. Louisme missed a gimme layup on the other end on the Wave's previous possession

7:06 Puckett comes away with the offensive rebound but is called for traveling as he falls down

7:39 Great defense by the Wave on the defensive end as Louisme first blocks a Mason shot and then comes away with the rebound. Thornton then called for the loose-ball foul.

8:03 Gomez will shoot two free throws after he is fouled by Randolph, his 4th. Gomez hits both free throws as the Wave now lead by 4.

8:20 Wheaton commits the turnover which turns into a fastbreak opportunity at the other end for Randolph. Stith commits the foul saving an easy basket. Wave continue to lead 56-54.

9:12 After a Mayhanne missed dunk, Dameon Mason is fouled in the lane and hits the shot. He will have a three point opportunity, which he misses. LSU comes away with the offensive rebound however. Randolph air-balls a jumper and Tulane comes away with it.

9:52 A great pass from Sims to Gomez and he converts easily. Temple answers on the other end with a three that cuts the Wave lead to 4.

10:40 LSU once again beats the shot clock as Temple hits a three to cut the lead to 5. It was an NBA range three that Temple converted

11:38 A thunderous block by Stith and a Sims three pointer at the other end extends the Wave lead to 8 at 54-46

11:48 Johnny Mayhanne nearly completes his own personal 7-0 run, but his layup rolls in and out. Mayhanne hit a three pointer and then scored on a layup before missing the current attempt. Wave now have their biggest lead of the game at 51-46.

13:50 Sims drives the lane against the 2-3 zone LSU was in and makes the layup. Wave up 46-43.

14:56 A big foul on Anthony Randolph, his 3rd as he has to exit the ball game. Sims hits two free throws to give the Wave a 3 point cushion. Sims then plays excellent defense on Temple forcing him to call a timeout.

15:24 LSU will have a three point opportunity as Puckett commits the foul on Martin as he drove the lane. Martin converts and the Wave again lead by 1

16:32 Sims hits a three pointer to extend the Wave lead to 4, 42-38.

17:00 A tough baseline jumper is good by Marcus Thornton of LSU. The seesaw affair sees the Wave lead by 1

18:05 A double whammy for LSU as Johnson commits the turnover and injured his thumb on the play

19:00 Louisme hits a floater in the lane, as the Wave lead by 1.

19:30 Johnson hits a baseline jumper to give the lead back to LSU

19:53 Randolph commits the offensive foul and Matt Wheaton puts in the reverse layup to give the Wave a one point lead.

Tulane vs. LSU 1st Half

Halftime Leaders

Gomez 12 points, 4 rebounds
Stith 7 points, 6 rebounds
Sims & Richard 3 points apiece

0.0 Puckett inbounds to Richard to heaves it and it falls. The Wave trail by 1 at the half for the moment as it is reviewed by the officials. The shot is upheld after review.

50.2 Sims hits a jumper from the free throw line to cut the lead to 30-28

1:10 Martin hits a three to give the Tigers a 4 point lead

2:51 Good defensive play from Richard will give the Tigers possession but only 5 on the shot clock. A desperate 3 point heave is banked in as the shot clock winds down. LSU leads by 1

First shouts of Green Wave as Tulane is now on a 9-0 run.

3:42 Terry Martin turns it over and the Wave will have a chance to extend it to a 2 possession game after the official time-out.

4:06 Stith on the fast break lays it in and is fouled by Garrett Temple. Stith converts the three point play and the Wave now lead by 2.

4:50 Louisme scores after Chris Johnson is called for LSU's third goaltending violation. Kris Richard then creates the turnover and Stith is fouled in the lane. Stith hits both free throws and it is quickly a 1 point game once again.

5:37 Gomez hits two free throws to make it 24-19 LSU.

6:00 Chris Johnson hits 1 of 2 free throws and Terry Martin hits a three pointer to extend the Tigers lead to 24-17

The crowd is really into it now as Gomez is called for a foul and Dickerson a technical for demonstration.

6:11 Gomez dunks it easily but is called for the technical foul for slapping the backboard after dunking it. Thornton only hits 1 of 2 and it remains a 1 possession game.

6:56 Martin converts on the Puckett turnover laying it in easily for a 19-15 Tigers lead

8:20 A questionable non-call on a Gomez shot for goaltending. Kris Richard then loses the handle out of bounds to LSU.

9:00 Wheaton hits a three to cut the lead to 2.

9:22 Spencer hits one of two free throws to give LSU its biggest lead 17-12

10:12 Good persistence from Randolph as he is able to put it in on the third tip attempt. Tigers 16 Tulane 12

So far Gomez leads the Wave with 8 points, Stith and Puckett have the other points for Tulane with 2 apiece. The Wave have been able to hang with the Tigers thus far. It will interesting to see how the Wave respond without Gomez on the floor

11:24 LSU is able to grab two offensive rebounds in succession, which results in an Anthony Randolph layup. LSU back on top 14-12

12:32 Good movement by the Wave offense leads to a Daniel Puckett layup. Game tied once again at 12

13:12 Stith scores on the lefty hook in the lane to cut the lead to 12-10 LSU

13:46 Bo Spencer scores for LSU on the fast break to give the Tigers a 12-8 lead.

15:08 Gomez hits another shot in the lane and ties the game at 8. Gomez has scored all of the Wave's points

16:01 Gomez gets 2 offensive rebounds in a row. The second putback by Gomez is good after a goaltending call. LSU 8 Tulane 6. Gomez's basket snaps an 8-0 run by LSU

17:15 Terry Martin hits a 3 to give the Tigers the lead, 6-4. Tigers on a 6-0 run in the last 2 minutes.

18:33 Matt Wheaton fouls Anthony Randolph on the fast break. Randolph hits 1 of 2. Wave 4 Tigers 1

19:00 Gomez drives the baseline and puts it in on the reverse layup. Wave 4 Tigers 0

19:36 David Gomez tips it in off a Robinson Louisme miss and the Wave have an early lead 2-0.

A nice crowd has turned out for tonight's game, mostly clad in green. There is a small contingent of LSU fans also in attendance, but for once Green Wave fans outnumber Tigers fans

Preview: Tulane vs. LSU

Men's Basketball vs. LSU (
Women's Basketball vs. Nicholls State (5 p.m.)
New Orleans Arena
CSTV

It's only 18 hours until Tulane basketball resumes with a double-header in New Orleans Arena. The women will begin by feasting on a poor Nicholls State team, and then the men will follow with a huge matchup against a very beatable LSU team.

Scouting Women's Basketball vs. Nicholls State.

The reason Lisa Stockton's crew doesn't get a separate blog post is because Nicholls State is, to be blunt, bad. Their RPI is estimated to be around 334, which would make them one of the worst teams in Division I women's basketball. This win will hurt the Green Wave's RPI, which now sits around 70. This game could get ugly -- I'm talking Georgia vs. Hawaii ugly.

Scouting LSU
The Tigers are a tough team to scout for one simply reason: who knows which Tigers team will show up, and for how long? Will it be the well-oiled machine that pounded the likes of Washington and Villanova in the first half, or the mess of a ball club that ended up blowing those two games in the second half with poor shooting and non-existent defense. The Green Wave should expect the best from the Tigers, since the last thing LSU basketball needs while struggling to fight obscurity in football country is a loss to an in-state rival.

The Tigers feature plenty of size inside with big men Chris Johnson and Anthony Randolph both standing at 6'11." The pair can hit the glass, block shots, and get easy buckets inside. The key to this game will be rebounding. LSU dominated the Green Wave on the boards last year and, as a result, won the game despite playing poorly.

Player to Watch: David Gomez

Last season, the Baton Rouge native led the Wave in scoring and rebounding and forced the Tigers to pay more attention to him on defense, leaving Sims and others with easier shots on the perimeter. Gomez is a fun player to watch when he plays with a chip on his shoulder. Also look out for LSU's Bo Spencer, an outstanding freshman who was recruited by Tulane but decided in the end to go to LSU

Prediction:
If LSU plays its best basketball for 40 minutes: LSU 76, Tulane 58
If LSU goes through the motions like it usually does: Tulane 67, LSU 62