Tulane Women’s Basketball Secures First AAC Win of the Season

The Tulane women’s basketball team showcased a strong performance, leading by as much as 16 points in the third quarter before the Wichita State Shockers made a late comeback attempt. Despite the effort, the Green Wave held on to secure a 70-60 victory, marking their first conference win of the season.

Tulane improved to 6-8 (1-1 American) while Wichita State dropped to 3-12 (0-2 American). This win is significant for the Green Wave, as it marks their fourth consecutive victory over the Shockers and their first true road win of the season.

Dominance in Key Stats

Although Wichita State had a slight edge in shooting percentage (39.3% compared to Tulane’s 37.9%), both teams connected on five three-pointers each. However, Tulane dominated on the boards with a 40-37 rebounding advantage, including a 16-11 edge on the offensive glass. The turnover battle was a key factor in the game, with Tulane committing just 14 turnovers—tying their season-low—and earning 28 extra points off Wichita State’s 21 giveaways. The Shockers managed only 16 extra points from turnovers.

Balanced Scoring and Strong Team Effort

Amira Mabry and Dyllan Hanna led the charge for Tulane, each scoring 14 points. Hanna was perfect from the floor, going 6-of-6, while Mabry hit a three-pointer and was 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. CC Mays added 12 points, making it a trio of players in double figures. On the glass, six players recorded at least five rebounds, with Mabry, Mays, and Kendall Sneed each grabbing six. Hanna, Mecailin Marshall, and Jayda Brown each pulled down five rebounds. Sneed led the team with six assists, while Kanija Daniel added three. Daniel also led the team with two blocks and tied with Mays and Brown for two steals each.

Game Highlights

Tulane started strong, taking an early lead after just 15 seconds when Dyllan Hanna scored on a layup. After the Shockers responded, CC Mays hit a three-pointer to extend the lead. Wichita State kept the pressure on throughout the first quarter, briefly taking a one-point lead at the 4:59 mark. However, Hanna and Mecailin Marshall helped push Tulane back ahead, and Amira Mabry’s three-pointer at the end of the first quarter gave the Green Wave a 19-10 lead.

In the second quarter, Jayda Brown hit a three-pointer to increase the lead to 24-12. Wichita State fought back, trimming the deficit to 31-25, but Kendall Sneed scored inside to regain control. Hanna added two free throws, and a Shocker three-pointer closed the half with Tulane leading 35-28.

Second Half Surge

Kanija Daniel opened the second half with a layup, starting a six-point run that extended Tulane’s lead to 41-28. Kendall Sneed added a layup, and a free throw by Amira Mabry pushed the lead to a game-high 16 points at 48-32. Wichita State chipped away, cutting the lead to 49-41, but Mecailin Marshall’s bucket extended the lead to 10 points. A Shocker free throw closed the third quarter with Tulane ahead 51-42.

Final Quarter Comeback Attempt

Wichita State started the fourth quarter strong, scoring the first four points to cut the lead to 51-46. CC Mays and Dyllan Hanna quickly answered, and a Mays score extended the lead to 61-48. However, the Shockers went on a 10-point run, including three three-pointers, to trim the margin to 61-58 with 3:02 remaining. Mays hit two free throws, and a Wichita State layup brought the score to 65-60. A turnover by the Shockers led to a Marshall score, pushing the lead to 65-60. The Shockers were unable to respond in the final minute, and Tulane sealed the win at the free-throw line.

Upcoming Schedule

Tulane will return home next week for its American Conference home opener against Tulsa on Tuesday, January 6. The game will take place at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse, with a tip-off time of 6:30 p.m. The contest will be streamed on ESPN+.