Tulane falls to Wichita State at home

NEW ORLEANS – Tulane men’s basketball (17-9, 10-5) fell to Wichita State (15-13, 8-8) 76-83 on Sunday afternoon in Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse.

Jalen Cook would lead the Green Wave with a career-high tying 30 points. Jaylen Forbes dropped 17 and tagged on seven rebounds and four assists, while Sion James would score 11 points and tack on four rebounds.

Tulane went to the line a season low nine times, while Wichita State benefited from 29 free throw attempts. The Shockers shot 53.1 from the field on the day and 45.5 percent from beyond the arc. Tulane shot 45.2 percent and also shot 45.5 percent from three point range.

In a near carbon copy their matchup from earlier in the season, Wichita State got out to a 17-point lead in the first half, forcing Tulane to play from behind.

Tulane would go on a 10-2 run to end the opening half thanks to back-to-back-to-back three pointers from Cook. The sophomore scored 17 of his 30 points in the first half and lead the team into the locker room down 39-46.

The Wave would score two quick buckets to open the half and cut the lead to three. The Shockers would pull ahead again, making the Wave fight for another comeback. Tulane would hit a hot streak and go on a 10-0 run, cutting the Wichita State lead to one with six minutes left to play.

Battle would ensure, but the Shockers would remain in command of the lead until the clock hit zero. It is second straight loss and just the team’s third loss at home this season.