NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kaleb Banks' 25 points helped Tulane defeat Florida Atlantic 80-65 on Wednesday night in a thrilling matchup that saw the Green Wave dominate from start to finish.
The game was played at a high tempo, with both teams looking to push the pace and create scoring opportunities in transition. However, it was Tulane who ultimately emerged victorious, thanks in large part to Banks' impressive performance.
Banks was nearly unstoppable, scoring from both inside and outside the paint. He was 10-15 from the field and 3-5 from three-point range, showcasing his versatility and range. His 25 points led all scorers, and he also chipped in with 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
Tulane as a team shot 52% from the field, including 40% from three-point range. They also outrebounded Florida Atlantic 35-28, which helped to limit the Owls' second-chance opportunities.
Florida Atlantic struggled to keep pace with Tulane's high-powered offense, shooting just 42% from the field and 30% from three-point range. They were led by guard Michael Forrest, who scored 22 points but was just 6-17 from the field.
The win improves Tulane's record to 12-4 on the season, while Florida Atlantic falls to 10-6. Tulane will look to build on this momentum as they head into the heart of their conference schedule.
Despite the loss, Florida Atlantic remains a formidable opponent in the conference, and they will look to bounce back in their next matchup. The Owls have a talented roster and have shown the ability to compete with anyone in the league.
In the end, it was Tulane's night, and they will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their pursuit of a conference championship. With Banks leading the way, the Green Wave are a team to watch in the coming weeks.