The win, coupled with second-ranked Tennessee's 89-70 victory against Auburn, sets up a showdown Saturday between the two top-ranked teams in the country. It will be the first 1-2 meeting since No. 2 Ohio State beat No. 1 Wisconsin 49-48 on Feb. 25, 2007.
After remaining undefeated with a one-point victory over UAB, Memphis (26-0, 12-0 Conference USA), never had to worry against Tulane (15-10, 5-6).
The Tigers, who are now measuring time since their last league loss in years instead of games (March 2, 2006), ran up their impressive streaks
-45 straight regular-season wins, 35 consecutive C-USA victories and 17 straight road wins.
Derrick Rose scored 17 for Memphis and had five assists, Robert Dozier and Doneal Mach each added 14 points.
The Tigers outscored the Green Wave 54 to 26 in the paint.
David Gomez led the Green Wave with 23 points, Kevin Sims had 14, Robinson Louisme scored 12, and Johnny Mayhane 11. It was the fifth straight loss for Tulane.
[Associated Press; By MARY FOSTER]
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