NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — Asher Woods scored 21 points and Tulane made 25 free throws to edge Portland State 63-61 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Devlin Fieldhouse. The Green Wave (9-4) shot just 2 of 17 from 3-point range but capitalized at the foul line, going 25 for 30. Portland State (6-5) was 10 for 16 on free throws. Woods, who scored 15 points in the second half, made two free throws with two seconds remaining for the final margin. Keyon Kensie and Terri Miller each scored 22 points for the Vikings, who trailed 24-23 at halftime. The teams were even in assists, steals and offensive rebounds in a tightly contested game decided at the line. Tulane has won two straight.

NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive grit and missed opportunities, the Tulane Green Wave escaped with a narrow 63-61 victory over the Portland State Vikings in a non-conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Devlin Fieldhouse. The contest, played before a crowd of 1,243, was a stark contrast in offensive styles. Tulane struggled mightily from the field, shooting just 36 percent overall and a dismal 2 of 17 from three-point range. Portland State was not much better, connecting on 41 percent of its shots and 5 of 20 from beyond the arc. The decisive difference came at the free throw line, where the Green Wave converted 25 of 30 attempts, while the Vikings managed only 10 of 16. The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final five seconds. With the score tied at 61, Tulane’s Asher Woods was fouled by Portland State’s Kelcy Phipps on a drive to the basket with just two seconds remaining. Woods, a 6-foot-3 guard from Atlanta, Georgia, calmly sank both free throws to put the Green Wave ahead. Portland State’s desperation heave from near half-court as time expired was off target, sealing the win for Tulane. Woods was the standout performer for the Green Wave, scoring a team-high 21 points, including the game-winning free throws, and adding three assists. His performance was a continuation of a strong stretch, coming off a 17-point outing earlier in the week. Rowan Brumbaugh, a guard from Washington, D.C., provided crucial support with 14 points for Tulane, which improved to 9-4. Portland State, which fell to 6-5, was led by a pair of 22-point efforts. Keyon Kensie, a 6-foot-8 forward from Los Angeles, was a force on both ends, adding a block and a steal to his scoring total. Terri Miller, a 6-foot-8 forward from Fresno, California, matched Kensie’s 22 points and contributed a block and a steal. Jaylin Henderson of Portland State logged a game-high 40 minutes, finishing with 11 points and five assists. The game was a defensive struggle from the outset. The first half was particularly ragged, with both teams combining for 27 turnovers. Tulane took a slim 24-23 lead into halftime despite making only six field goals in the period, relying on 10 free throws to build its advantage. Portland State found its rhythm early in the second half, briefly taking the lead. The game then settled into a tense back-and-forth affair, featuring 10 ties and 11 lead changes. Neither team led by more than five points at any stage in the second half, setting the stage for the dramatic finish. Tulane’s ability to draw fouls and capitalize at the line ultimately proved the difference. The Green Wave attempted 14 more free throws than the Vikings and made 15 more, a margin that directly accounted for the final point differential. Despite the loss, Portland State’s defense was notable. The Vikings held Tulane to an offensive rating of 91.0 points per 100 possessions and blocked six shots, with Tre-Vaughn Minott of Montreal recording two of them. The game defied pregame expectations, as Tulane entered as a 3.5-point favorite according to sportsbooks, and the total score of 124 points fell well under the projected over/under line of 145.5. Tulane now looks ahead to its American Athletic Conference opener on the road against East Carolina on Dec. 31. Portland State will begin Big Sky Conference play on the road at Weber State on Jan. 1.

Preview: Portland State Vikings at Tulane Green Wave NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — The Tulane Green Wave, looking to build momentum before American Athletic Conference play, host the Portland State Vikings in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Devlin Fieldhouse. Tulane (8-4) enters off a 61-53 defensive win over Louisiana Tech on Wednesday. The Green Wave have shown resilience at home, winning three straight in New Orleans since a loss to Akron on Dec. 6. Their offense runs through guard Rowan Brumbaugh, who is averaging 17.7 points and 4.2 assists over his last six games. Brumbaugh scored 16 points with three assists and two blocks in the win over Louisiana Tech. Portland State (6-4) aims to rebound from a 73-84 road loss at Colorado on Wednesday. The Vikings have alternated wins and losses over their past five games. They are led by guard Jaylin Henderson, who poured in 23 points in 40 minutes against the Buffaloes. Henderson has been a consistent facilitator, recording at least six assists in four of his last five contests. The game presents a contrast in schedules. Tulane is concluding its nonconference slate before opening AAC play at East Carolina on Dec. 31. Portland State, out of the Big Sky Conference, has one final tune-up before its conference opener at Weber State on Jan. 1. For Tulane, a victory would secure a winning nonconference record and provide a boost ahead of a tough league schedule that includes Florida Atlantic and Memphis. The Green Wave have relied on a balanced attack, with Scotty Middleton (12 points vs. Louisiana Tech) providing secondary scoring. Portland State will need more offensive production beyond Henderson to challenge Tulane on the road. Terri Miller (16 points vs. Colorado) and Keyon Kensie (11 points) were key contributors in the recent loss. Historically, this is a rare meeting between the programs. The Vikings have faced a challenging road slate, with previous losses at Stanford, San Francisco and Colorado. Tulane has protected its home court aside from the Akron setback, posting a 5-1 record at Devlin this season. Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon. Tulane is scheduled to begin AAC play next Wednesday, while Portland State travels to face Weber State on New Year’s Day.