Tulane University women’s basketball is entering this season with the chance to make noise on a national level. The Green Wave has put together a schedule that could get people talking early, and the team has the balance and experience to capitalize on it.
The biggest thing to notice right away is that Tulane will play multiple SEC teams in the non-conference schedule. The University of Missouri will come to New Orleans on Nov. 6 and Louisiana State University travels to Tulane on Nov. 17. The Wave will also travel to play the University of Alabama on Dec. 17. These are not just big games; they are the types of matchups that can change how a team is viewed across the country.
The SEC is one of the strongest conferences in women’s basketball. LSU is a national championship program. Alabama and Missouri play with physical size and have high-level athletes. For many teams outside the conference, these games might seem overwhelming. But for Tulane, they are a chance to prove something. If the Green Wave can compete — or even pull off an upset — it would send a message to the rest of women’s basketball that they could be a real contender.
Tulane opened its season on Nov. 3 in a down-to-the-wire finish against Campbell University that ended in a two-point 74-72 win for Tulane. While still getting out the first game jitters, the Green Wave showed the type of balance that could define the year. A team-oriented approach centered on moving the ball well and getting production from several players instead of relying on just one scorer.
Forward Amira Mabry and guard Kendall Sneed set the tone offensively, each getting into double-digit scoring. In a game with nine ties and 10 lead changes, Tulane won it late when graduate forward Jordyn Weaver grabbed an offensive rebound and banked in the put-back with 2.0 seconds left. The Wave’s second-quarter press flipped momentum, fueling a 14–3 run and helping produce 21 points off turnovers and 12 fast-break points. The team showed depth as well; 11 players saw the floor, and nine scored.
Another major strength is coaching. Head coach Ashley Langford is entering her second season as Tulane’s head coach. After leading the team to a 17-13 record last year, she has built a clear identity for this team. Her groups play fast, move the ball and look to create open shots rather than forcing tough ones.
On defense, the team plays with energy and discipline, switching when needed and helping each other at the rim. All of these adjustments from Langford have already put the American Conference on notice, as Tulane was ranked No. 5 in the preseason poll — a good ranking, but still plenty of room to grow.
If Tulane can win one of its SEC matchups and build momentum at home, the Green Wave could become one of the surprise stories of the season. The pieces are there. The opportunity is real. Now it is time to see if Tulane can take the step forward that feels within reach.