NEW ORLEANS – A pair of second half runs proved to be the difference as Tulane opened up a tight game en route to a 63-49 win over Prairie View A&M on Monday night.

The Panthers played an inspired first half as they stayed within striking distance the entire way as Tulane would only claim a five-point margin as its largest lead.  The Panthers had several opportunities to move ahead late in the half but the Green Wave held them just enough for a 24-19 advantage.

The Panthers would move ahead 25-24 early in the second half as an Admassu Williams' steal led to a Karim York three-point play the old-fashioned way. Williams blocked Tulane's Jernard Jerreau's shot on the ensuing possession and Tevin Bellinger nailed a trey to cap off the 6-0 run.  Tulane would regain the lead as an offensive rebound led to a dunk and held on by the slimmest of margins as the Panthers kept the pressure on before trying it at 30-all with 14:19 left after Williams' two free throws.

However, the tide would turn from that point as the Panthers committed three turnovers and missed four consecutive baskets despite having an edge in rebounding.  Tulane would find success from the three-point line as they hit back-to-back treys to jump start an 11-0 run for a 41-30 lead with 9:15 left.   Despite the Tulane surge, Prairie View A&M found a way to persevere as Zach Hamilton sparked a run with consecutive treys followed by Ja'Donta Blakely's bucket to draw within 42-38 at the 7:36 mark.

The Panthers had a chance to draw closer after fighting back but missed their next four shot attempts while Tulane extended its lead at the free throw line along with several baskets as its 7-0 run upped the deficit to 49-38.  Two free throws by Jordan Giddings drew PVAMU to within 49-40 with 4:04 left but Tulane heated up from the field and hit four or its next five shots to put the game away as the lead grew to as much as 14.

Williams led the Panthers with 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks while Hamilton added 11 points.

The Panthers are finally at home on Wednesday night as they'll host Texas State at 7 p.m.