This Saturday on ESPNews at 2 pm ET the Cats travel to take on the Tulane Green Wave (14-13, 5-10 American). I think we would all like to forget the 3-point buzzer beater that sank UC in round 1 earlier this year on Valentine’s Day.
That game was also at 2 pm on a Saturday, but this time will be different. UC is currently riding a 2-game win streak, and looked great against UCF, scoring 83 points (and 40 or more in both halves!). Despite only averaging 62.4 points per game, this year’s Bearcats are currently the most accurate shooting team of the Mick Cronin era. UC is currently 2nd in the AAC, shooting 45.1% from the field.
Since game 1, Tulane has lost all three games to UCF, UConn, and Tulsa. The Bearcats own a 21-14 all time lead over Tulane. For a full breakdown of Tulane check out our earlier article here.
Shaq Thomas should be the difference here. After regaining his starting role he leads all Bearcats in scoring over the last 3 games, averaging 13 points and shooting 65.2%, something UC desperately needed on offense. UC has learned its lesson not to take the Green Wave lightly after losing 50-49 earlier this year. This will be a revenge game. Maybe even a celebration on Bourbon Street after?
Prediction: Cats win 56-49.
By Andy Smith