The Tulane Green Wave and the UC San Diego Tritons are set to face off in the final game of the Jack Jones Classic on Saturday night in Henderson, Nevada. This matchup highlights two teams with contrasting records and styles, making it an intriguing clash as basketball fans look forward to tipoff at midnight.
Heading into the game, Tulane boasts a 7-3 record. Despite their recent victory against Tougaloo, a non-Division I opponent, the Green Wave’s 84-72 win was closer than anticipated. Earlier in the season, Tulane defeated Atlantic Coast Conference contender Boston College, showcasing their potential. Over their last five games, Tulane has claimed four victories, with their only loss coming in a closely contested match against Akron. The team has demonstrated resilience in tight situations, securing wins in several matches decided by single-digit margins.
Rowan Brumbaugh, a 6’4 junior guard who previously played at Georgetown, has emerged as a cornerstone for the Green Wave, averaging 19.1 points and 3.4 assists per game. His shooting prowess from beyond the arc, with 22 made threes this season, marks him as a key player for Tulane. Curtis Williams Jr. and Asher Woods also contribute significantly, with Williams averaging 14.2 points and Woods providing 11.9 points per game. However, statistically, Tulane ranks 187th out of 365 Division I teams according to KenPom, with particularly concerning numbers in defensive efficiency—sitting at 314th.
In contrast, the UC San Diego Tritons, with an impressive 8-1 record, have built their success against a challenging schedule. All of their nine games so far have been decided by narrow margins, showcasing their ability to win close encounters. They’ve secured significant victories against teams like Bradley, Temple, and Fresno State as underdogs, demonstrating their prowess under pressure.
In their most recent win over Long Beach State, Aidan Burke led the Tritons with 18 points. Burke, who is in his third year with the team, averages 11.4 points per game and is also a valuable outside shooter with 22 made threes this season. The Tritons spotlight Leo Beath, a 6’8 junior who is their leading scorer with an impressive 18.9 points per game, along with 5.2 rebounds. Beath’s comeback this season, after recovering from injury, has been a significant factor in UC San Diego’s success. Their strategy includes a balanced scoring attack combined with a quicker pace of play than Tulane, evidenced by their KenPom ranking of 99th overall.
As the teams prepare to step onto the court, one critical aspect stands out: Tulane’s recent struggles against lower-tier competition raise concerns about their form heading into this matchup. The predicted betting line favors UC San Diego by 5.5 points, reflecting their consistent performance in tight contests. Analysts suggest that the Tritons’ size and improved offensive efficiency could prove too much for Tulane’s defense, which has struggled considerably.
Moreover, as both teams tend to score more efficiently than they defend, many anticipate a high-scoring affair. Betting picks predict that the total might exceed set lines, capitalizing on the weaknesses of Tulane’s defense.
As basketball fans gear up for this exciting conclusion to the Jack Jones Classic, the outcome hangs in the balance, with UC San Diego positioned as the favorite but Tulane seeking to turn things around on a prominent stage.
