Tulane @ East Carolina preview
Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum
Last Meeting ( Feb 14, 2018 ) East Carolina 82, Tulane 80
One team’s losing streak will end when East Carolina hosts Tulane on Thursday in a matchup of struggling American Athletic Conference teams. The Pirates have dropped five straight contests and six of their last seven, while the Green Wave are in the midst of a nine-game skid.
The Pirates were run off the floor in two games last week, losing 94-50 at Houston and 77-57 to USF at home. They’re 8-4 on their own court, however, including a win over Cincinnati on Jan. 5 - their only victory in conference play. The Green Wave are coming off an 85-75 loss at SMU on Saturday - their third consecutive double-digit defeat - and haven’t won since Dec. 17. They’ve had luck at East Carolina, though, coming away with wins in four of their last five trips - including a pair of overtime victories.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU
ABOUT TULANE (4-15, 0-7 American): The Green Wave are among the least-efficient offensive teams in the nation, but they’ve improved recently - topping 70 points in three of their last four games. Caleb Daniels (15.2 points) leads a trio of double-digit scorers that also includes Samir Sehic (11.6) and Jordan Cornish (11). Blake Paul has turned it up at lately, as he is averaging 11.5 points and 8.8 rebounds over his last four contests.
ABOUT EAST CAROLINA (8-11, 1-6): The Pirates start three sophomores and freshman Jayden Gardner (18.9 points, 9.4 rebounds), who leads the AAC in scoring and ranks second in rebounding. Gardner posted his eighth double-double of the season with 15 points and 15 rebounds against USF. Sophomore guard Shawn Williams (11.9 points) averaged 22 points in two meetings with the Green Wave last season, including a 29-point effort in a victory at Tulane.
TIP-INS
1. Sehic has posted a double-double in three of his last four games.
2. Paul (89) needs three blocks to match Paul Thompson for 10th place on Tulane’s all-time list.
3. East Carolina F Seth LeDay (11.5 points, 6.7 rebounds) has scored in double figures in four of his last six contests.
PREDICTION: East Carolina 73, Tulane 69