Cross helps Tulane past Rhode Island in Cayman Islands

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands – Kevin Cross jammed one in late in the second half to rally the Green Wave past a tough Rhode Island team 78-75 in the Cayman Islands Classic on Tuesday night.

The junior scored 22 points, just one off his career high in the matchup. Cross also had seven assists and four rebounds.

Four other members of the Wave scored in double figures with Jaylen Forbes scoring 17 points, Collin Holloway had 14 and added on six rebounds, while Sion James had 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Cleaning up play defensively, Tulane committed just 13 fouls to Rhode Island’s 22.

The first half was an even battle, Tulane shot 50% from the field and 38.5% from field goal range, while Rhode Island shot 39.3% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. Tulane got down by as much as seven and led by as much as 10. Heading into the locker room the Green Wave was up nine, 38-29.

Tulane extended the lead to 13 before Rhode Island went on a 12-0 run to bring the score to 56-55. Cross decided to take matters into his own hands, scoring six straight and sparking the Tulane offense. Rhode Islands would nail a few threes to make things interesting, but Tulane would take the game 78-75.

LAGNIAPPE
Jaylen Forbes made his 57th straight start, the most on the team.
Tulane has made at least one 3-point field goal in 260 consecutive games. The last time the Green Wave failed to do so came on Jan.16, 2014 at home against Louisiana Tech when they went 0-for-14 from outside.
Forbes is hit 1000 career points.
Ron Hunter is now 15 wins away from 500 in his career.
Tre Williams got his first career points for Tulane off a three pointer.
Tulane will face Western Kentucky at 12:30 p.m CT tomorrow in the last game of the Cayman Islands Classic.