As I sit here watching March Madness highlights, I can't help but wonder about Tulane's chances this season. Having followed college basketball for over a decade, I've seen countless underdog stories unfold, and something about this Tulane team feels different. The Green Wave has been building something special under coach Ron Hunter, and I genuinely believe they could be this year's Cinderella story.
Let me take you back to a recent game that perfectly illustrates why I'm so optimistic about Tulane's tournament potential. While watching their matchup against Memphis last week, I witnessed something that reminded me of championship-caliber teams. There was this moment in the second half when Memphis was mounting a furious comeback, and Tulane's star guard, Jaylen Forbes, seemed to be cooling off after a hot start. The momentum was shifting, the crowd was getting restless, and you could feel the game slipping away. But then, with just over a minute remaining and the game on the line, Forbes did what great players do - he drained the biggest shot of the night, a three-pointer that put Tulane ahead 64-63. That moment wasn't just about scoring points; it was about mental toughness, about having the guts to take and make the crucial shot when everything was on the line. I've seen plenty of talented teams falter in those situations, but Tulane showed a champion's composure that night.
What really excites me about this Tulane squad is their offensive efficiency. They're currently shooting 47.8% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range, numbers that stack up well against traditional powerhouses. But statistics only tell part of the story. Having analyzed their game film, I'm particularly impressed by their ball movement and player rotation. They average 15.2 assists per game, which demonstrates their unselfish style of play. In tournament basketball, where defenses tighten and every possession matters, this kind of team-oriented approach becomes invaluable. I remember watching last year's tournament and noticing how the most successful teams shared these characteristics - good ball movement, multiple scoring threats, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.
Defensively, Tulane has shown significant improvement throughout the season. They're forcing 13.5 turnovers per game and holding opponents to 42.3% shooting. These might not be elite numbers nationally, but the progression from last season is remarkable. Coach Hunter has implemented a more aggressive defensive scheme that utilizes their athletic guards to disrupt opposing offenses. From my perspective, this defensive growth could be the X-factor that carries them through the tournament's early rounds. Tournament success often comes down to which teams can string together defensive stops when their offense isn't clicking, and Tulane has demonstrated they can win games in multiple ways.
The AAC conference schedule has prepared them well for March. Having to face teams like Houston and Memphis twice during the regular season means they're battle-tested. I've always believed that tough conference competition is the best preparation for the NCAA tournament, and Tulane has proven they can compete with ranked opponents. Their 78-74 victory over Houston earlier this season wasn't a fluke - it was a statement win that showed they belong in the conversation with the nation's best programs.
Looking at their potential tournament path, Tulane's style matches up well against the types of teams they're likely to face. Their guard-heavy lineup and three-point shooting ability make them dangerous against slower, more methodical teams. I've noticed that tournament success often comes down to guard play, and with Forbes and Cross combining for nearly 35 points per game, they have the backcourt talent to make some noise. The key will be their big men staying out of foul trouble and contributing on the boards - if they can average their typical 32.6 rebounds per game in the tournament, they'll be competitive in every matchup.
Of course, there are concerns. Their bench depth isn't as strong as some power conference teams, and they've shown occasional lapses in defensive transition. I've counted at least four games this season where they allowed 15+ fast break points, which could be problematic against athletic teams in the tournament. But every team has weaknesses, and what matters is how well you can mask them in single-elimination scenarios.
From my experience watching mid-major teams make deep tournament runs, the formula for success typically involves three things: experienced guards, efficient offense, and a belief that you belong. Tulane checks all these boxes. They have senior leadership, they rank in the top 40 nationally in offensive efficiency, and they've shown they can win close games against quality opponents. Their 7-3 record in games decided by five points or fewer demonstrates their clutch performance when it matters most.
The beauty of March Madness is that anything can happen, and this feels like one of those years where we could see multiple surprise teams making deep runs. Tulane has the pieces to be one of those teams - they're playing their best basketball at the right time, they have a coach with tournament experience, and they possess the offensive firepower to overwhelm opponents. While I'm not predicting a Final Four run, I genuinely believe they could reach the Sweet Sixteen if the bracket breaks right for them. Having watched them develop throughout the season, I've seen enough to think they're capable of winning at least two tournament games, which would be a monumental achievement for the program.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on how Tulane performs in the AAC tournament. That will be their final opportunity to fine-tune their game and build momentum heading into the Big Dance. Based on what I've seen this season, and particularly in those clutch moments like the Memphis game, I'm convinced Tulane basketball is poised to make some noise this March. They have the talent, the coaching, and most importantly, the mental toughness to exceed expectations. In a tournament defined by moments, they've shown they can create their own magic.