Jan. 26, 2006

NEW ORLEANS, La. - The Tulane University women's basketball team will take its two-game winning streak on the road where the Green Wave will look to improve on an 8-7 overall record and 2-4 mark in Conference USA play over the weekend in Houston, Texas.

The Green Wave, who won games vs. Southeastern Louisiana and Memphis on back-to-back days last week, take on Conference USA foe Houston on Friday at 7 p.m. in Hofheinz Pavilion and league newcomer Rice on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Autry Court.

Tulane has posted two-game winning streaks four times during the 2005-06 season, but has yet to put together a three-game victory mark. The Green Wave enter the weekend with a bit of momentum, however, as the young team continues to evolve, improve and mature.

As a team, the Green Wave average 67.8 points per game while shooting at a .430 clip (370-for-860). Defensively, Tulane has allowed an average of 68.3 points an outing opponents have shot .413 from the field, including a .312 showing from 3-point land. On the boards, Tulane averages 40.7 rebounds per game, and is out-rebounding its foes by an average of 6.2 caroms a night.

Sophomore forward Jennifer Sands leads the team with 13.4 points per game, while junior guard Jami Montagnino is close behind with an 10.6 average. Rookie point guard Ashley Langford, who had a career night last Sunday vs. Memphis, is third on the club with 9.4 scoring average, and leads the team and C-USA with 6.07 assists per game.

Sands paces the squad in rebounds with a 7.9 average, while rookie post player Kendra Barnes is next with a 5.5 mark. Sophomore post Dominique Philpots leads the team with 20 blocks.

Houston enters Friday's showdown 7-8 on the year, but have been hot lately with four consecutive wins in league play and victories in five of its last six games. The game marks the 17th all-time meeting between the two teams, and Tulane holds an 11-5 advantage in series history.

Rice, which battles UTEP on Friday, enters the weekend 6-10 for the season and 2-3 in league action. The Owls won their first two C-USA games, but have since dropped three in a row. Sunday's contest marks the 12th time Tulane and Rice meet on the hardwood, and the Green Wave hold a 7-4 advantage in the all-time series.

Following Tulane's two-game stint in the Lone Star State, the Green Wave return to Fogelman Arena on Saturday, Feb. 4 when they take on UTEP in part of a basketball double-header with the men's team, beginning at 5 p.m.

For ticket information, contact the Tulane Ticket Office at 504-247-1240. The Ticket Office is currently located in the lobby of Fogelman Arena, and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can also purchase on-line at www.TulaneGreenWave.com.