Tulane Adds to Pirates' C-USA Road Woes
February 01, 2003 | Men's Basketball
NEW ORLEANS -- Brandon Spann scored 20 points and connected on six three-pointers to lead Tulane University to a 67-56 victory over East Carolina in Conference USA men's basketball action on Saturday afternoon at Fogelman Arena.
It was the second straight win for the Green Wave, which improves to 9-10 overall and 2-4 in league play. East Carolina drops to 11-8 and 2-6 in C-USA action.
"It was definitely a good win, but you have to give East Carolina credit," Tulane coach Shawn Finney said. "They were aggressive defensively the whole game. We had a hard time scoring off the pass so we had to drive the basketball."
Tulane shot just 42.3 percent (22-of-52) from the field, but its defense held the Pirates to 37.7 percent (23-of-61) shooting. The Wave also hit 10 three-pointers for the third time this year. Tulane held a 39-34 edge on the glass as well.
In addition to Spann, Waitari Marsh tallied 19 points and matched his season-best with eight rebounds. Wayne Tinsley packed the stat line as well, tallying 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Brandon Brown was held to nine points, but added 11 rebounds.
"We have been telling Brandon Spann not to be hesitant," Finney said. "He has to shoot the ball. Brandon is a much better defensive player when he is shooting the ball well. His leadership was incredible today."
Tulane built a 40-26 lead early in the second half, but the Pirates battled back, scoring seven straight points to make it 40-33 with 15:15 to go.
However, Marsh took charge for the Wave, connecting on a runner in the lane to snap a five-minute cold spell. After an ECU miss, Tinsley found Marsh streaking up court for another two points. After an ECU hoop, the Green Wave went to work from downtown, connecting on four three-pointers in a three-minute stretch ? Marsh and Spann each hitting a pair ? to build the advantage to 14 at 56-42 with 10:20 to go.
The teams traded baskets with a Brown hoop making it 63-49 with 4:17 to go.
However, ECU came right back as Travis Holcomb-Faye drained a three-pointer from the top of the key to jump-start a 7-0 run which made it 63-56 with 1:33 to go.
That would be all for the Pirates though, as the Wave defense clamped down and the offense connected on four-of-six free throws to provide for the final margin.
"We knew we had to play focused; it was a big game," Finney said. "We know we need to take care of business at home."
Tulane is now 9-4 at home this season, including 2-1 in league contests. East Carolina has not won a road game in its two seasons as a member of Conference USA.
