NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant rebounding performance from Nicholls State’s Jalik Dunkley but ultimately controlled by Tulane’s balanced scoring, the Green Wave pulled away late for an 82-72 victory in a non-conference men’s basketball game Friday at Devlin Fieldhouse.

The win improved Tulane’s record to 5-2, while Nicholls State remained winless at 0-6.

Despite the final margin, the Colonels hung tough for much of the contest, largely on the strength of Dunkley’s work on the glass. The Hamilton, Canada, native was a force inside, pulling down a game-high 15 rebounds to go with 14 points in 34 minutes. His efforts helped Nicholls State stay competitive in the paint and keep the game within single digits for long stretches.

Nicholls State guard Jaylen Searles provided the primary scoring punch, leading all players with 22 points on an efficient shooting afternoon, including several key three-pointers. Sincere Malone added 13 points and a team-high five assists for the Colonels, while Trae English chipped in 12 points and five assists.

Tulane’s victory was a product of its depth and a steady offensive attack. Asher Woods, from Atlanta, Georgia, led the Green Wave with 19 points, including several crucial baskets down the stretch. He was supported by a strong frontcourt performance from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native Tyler Ringgold, who finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Curtis Williams of Detroit, Michigan, contributed 16 points, and Scotty Middleton of Miami, Florida, added 11.

The game’s momentum swung decisively in the final minutes. With Tulane holding a narrow lead, the Green Wave engineered a 6-0 run to create separation. A driving layup by Curtis Williams, followed by a steal from Woods that led to a Ringgold layup, extended the lead to 78-72 with just over two minutes remaining. Nicholls State was unable to mount a response, as Tulane closed out the game at the free-throw line.

Tulane set the tone early, opening the game on an 11-0 run fueled by three-pointers from Rowan Brumbaugh and Scotty Middleton. Nicholls State weathered the initial storm and slowly chipped away at the deficit, with Searles finding his rhythm from beyond the arc. The Colonels managed to trim the lead to just four points late in the first half, but a layup from Tulane’s JoJo Moore in the closing seconds gave the Green Wave a 46-41 cushion at halftime.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Nicholls State repeatedly closing the gap only for Tulane to answer. A key sequence occurred midway through the period when back-to-back three-pointers from Searles brought the Colonels within two points. Tulane responded immediately with a 7-0 spurt, highlighted by a three-pointer from Middleton and a layup from Williams, to re-establish control.

Tulane’s ball movement and distribution were superior, as evidenced by KJ Greene’s game-high seven assists. The Green Wave also capitalized on Nicholls State’s mistakes, scoring 19 points off 15 Colonel turnovers.

The game was a contrast in styles, with Nicholls State relying on the individual brilliance of Searles and the interior presence of Dunkley, while Tulane utilized a more collaborative approach with five players scoring in double figures. In the end, Tulane’s consistency and ability to execute in the final minutes proved to be the difference.

Nicholls State will look for its first win of the season on the road at Creighton on Tuesday. Tulane returns to action at home against Grambling on Tuesday.