The Tigers avoided what could have been an ugly stumble tonight in New Orleans. Trying to extend their mastery over the Green Wave to 20 straight games, the Tigers found themselves trailing, 33-32, at halftime. Tulane’s freshman star Ricky Tarrant scored 15 points over the game’s first 20 minutes and helped his teammates shoot 52 percent from the field before the break.
Down 45-43 with 15:10 to play in the game, Memphis went on a 14-7 run to take the lead for good. After missing five of seven shots in the first half, sophomore Will Barton hit all five of his shots in the second half and finished with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Tigers. Tarik Black added 18 points, while Chris Crawford (11), Joe Jackson (10), and Wesley Witherspoon (10) made it five Tigers in double figures.
The win is the fourth straight for Memphis and improves the Tigers’ record to 19-7. Now 9-2 in Conference USA play, they’re assured of at least retaining a tie for the league lead with Southern Miss. Tulane falls to 15-10 (3-8).
The Tigers return home for a tilt with UTEP on Saturday. Tip-off at FedExForum is scheduled for noon.
