The Green Wave struggled to stop big offensive runs by the Blazers, ultimately falling by a score of 82-69.
The Tulane Green Wave mens basketball team's impressive five-game winning streak on the hardwood -- and perfect 3-0 mark to start American Conference play -- came to an end on Wednesday night in an 82-69 loss to the UAB Blazers.
It was a tough night all around for the Green Wave, which fell behind early on its home court and never truly recovered. The team was able to make a few runs and claim the lead a few times throughout the first half, but the Blazers found a way to push ahead when it mattered most. Tulane simply couldn't stop them.
The visiting squad took a 38-29 lead into the locker room at halftime after pulling ahead for good in the final few minutes of the frame. However, whatever halftime message the Green Wave received lit a fire in the team: it went on a 17-4 run in the first five minutes of the second half and reclaimed a 46-42 lead.
Ultimately, the team couldn't hold on to the momentum forever, and after trading blows, UAB went on a 17-5 run to take a double-digit lead with just over three minutes remaining in the game. With limited time left to get another run going, Tulane struggled to string together offensive buckets and big stops on defense.
Rowan Brumbaugh and Asher Woods each finished with 16 points apiece, with the former adding a team-high six assists and four rebounds. Tyler Ringgold was the only other Green Wave player to finish in double figures, as he netted 12 points and tied for the team-high in rebounds with five. Scotty Middleton had nine points and five rebounds, and Curtis Williams totaled eight points. The team only scored eight points off the bench.
Both teams had 10 turnovers, but UAB was much more successful in capitalizing on those opportunities, with 16 points off turnovers as opposed to Tulane's nine. Additionally, the home team's field goal percentage (40%), three-point percentage (26%) and free throw percentage (74%) were all significantly lower than its opponents percentages. The Blazers finished with 15 offensive rebounds and 18 total assists; on the other hand, the Green Wave had just nine offensive boards and 14 assists.
Defense proved to be an even bigger weakness for Tulane. The team had just 19 defensive rebounds compared to UAB's 30 and was only able to snag four steals. If there was any area that the Green Wave dominated in, it was blocking: the team recorded eight blocks on the night.
As of now, Tulane is tied for the top spot in the American Conference standings with the Florida Atlantic Owls, South Florida Bulls, Temple Owls and Memphis Tigers. It's going to be a close race to see which team finishes on top just a few short months from now.
The Green Wave will look to get back on track against the North Texas Mean Green in its second-consecutive home game. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 18th, at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse.