Thompson, Hightower rally Tulane past Cincinnati 76-71
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Christion Thompson scored five of his 20 points in the last two minutes, Teshaun Hightower added 22 more and Tulane rallied past Cincinnati 76-71 on Saturday.
Hightower tied the contest at 69-69 with a second-chance basket and Thompson put the Green Wave ahead for keeps on a driving layup with 2:08 remaining. Thompson, Hightower and K.J. Lawson combined to make 5 of 8 free throws down the stretch as Tulane defeated the two-time defending American Athletic Conference champs.
Thompson finished 11 of 12 from the line for Tulane (9-5, 1-1) which fought through 11 ties and seven lead changes in the final 12:50 for the win. The Green Wave is 5-0 at Devlin Fieldhouse.
Kevin Zhang added 15 points for Tulane, making 5-of-5 from behind the arc.
Chris Vogt tied a career high with 21 points for the Bearcats (8-6, 1-1). Keith Williams added 18 points and six rebounds. Jarron Cumberland had 10 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Tulane faces UConn on the road on Wednesday. Cincinnati takes on Tulsa at home on Wednesday.
