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Tulane Faces USC in the Inaugural College Basketball Crown Tournament
The 2025 College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas promises to deliver intense matchups, with Tulane facing off against USC in a crucial game for both teams. However, Tulane enters the contest facing some major setbacks, having lost two key starters to the transfer portal. Despite these challenges, the Green Wave are looking to make a strong statement as they take on the Trojans.
Tulane’s Challenges with the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal has been a double-edged sword for Tulane (19-14) this season. While it’s a way for teams to strengthen their rosters, Tulane has found itself on the receiving end of player departures. Kaleb Banks, the team’s second-leading scorer (14.7 points per game) and the Green Wave’s top rebounder (6.7 rebounds per game), entered the transfer portal without specifying his next destination. To add to the team’s challenges, Kam Williams, who contributed 9.3 points per game, also announced his departure and has committed to Kentucky.
Despite these losses, Tulane still has one of the brightest stars in Rowan Brumbaugh, who remains with the team for the tournament. Brumbaugh, the team’s leading scorer with 15.7 points per game, has also made it clear that he’s keeping his future options open. While his commitment to Tulane for the tournament is clear, Brumbaugh has been vocal about his uncertainty when it comes to returning next season.
“I love it here and there’s nothing more from a people or basketball school perspective that I’d want. It’s more of a financial thing at the end of the day,” Brumbaugh said. “When you look back five years from now, do you regret not taking advantage of a big opportunity?”
Brumbaugh has not only been a scoring machine but also leads the team in assists (4.8 per game) and steals (1.5 per game). His leadership and playmaking ability will be critical if Tulane is to continue their recent run of form.
Tulane’s Recent Performance
Tulane heads into the tournament with a solid track record, having won 8 of their last 12 games. Their strong finish to the season included a semifinal appearance in the American Athletic Conference tournament, where they narrowly lost to top-seeded Memphis in a heart-stopping 78-77 game. This recent form is a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to compete even with key personnel changes.
USC Struggling in the Big Ten
On the other side of the court, USC (16-17) has had its own set of challenges this season. The Trojans have struggled, losing 9 of their last 12 games. Their first year in the Big Ten has been rocky, with USC coach Eric Musselman working to establish a new culture and foundation for the team. While Musselman has been active in the transfer portal, the Trojans’ season has been marred by inconsistent play.
“We learned a lot,” Musselman said. “The first year on any job is to set a culture and a foundation. I think we did that.”
Despite the team’s struggles, USC still has a few standout players. Desmond Claude, who has been the Trojans’ primary scorer, leads the team with 16.3 points per game. Wesley Yates III also contributes heavily with 14.1 points per game, making them the key offensive threats for USC. With both players stepping up in the absence of other contributors, the Trojans will rely on them to carry the load in the tournament.
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Tulane will need Brumbaugh to continue his strong performances if they are to succeed in the tournament. His versatility as both a scorer and playmaker will be essential in making up for the departures of Banks and Williams. Additionally, the Green Wave will need other players to step up, particularly in the rebounding and defensive departments, to make up for the loss of their leading rebounder.
For USC, Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates III will be the primary scoring options. The Trojans will also look to their depth and bench players, such as Kevin Patton Jr. and Isaiah Elohim, to contribute more, especially as the team deals with the absence of key rotational players.
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What’s Next for the Winner?
The winner of this high-stakes matchup will advance to face either Colorado or Villanova on Thursday, with a chance to continue their tournament run. Both teams are eager to prove themselves in this prestigious event. For Tulane, it’s an opportunity to show resilience after losing two key players, while USC will be looking to capitalize on their core players’ performances to redeem their season.
