GAME NOTES: The Tulane Green Wave will try to extend their winning streak to seven games on Saturday afternoon when they welcome the Mississippi State Bulldogs to Devlin Fieldhouse for a non-conference matchup.

Mississippi State got the season off to a flying start with five straight wins but most recently fell on the wrong end of a 61-52 decision against TCU in the championship game of the Corpus Christi Coastal Classic on Nov. 29. The Bulldogs are attempting to snap a 17-game road losing streak, with their latest away win coming in January of 2013.

It's been all wins for Tulane since losing its season-opener to Wake Forest (71-49), reeling off six straight victories. After sweeping the Tulane Tournament, the Green Wave ventured out on the road for the first time on Wednesday and came away with an 83-70 victory over Loyola-Chicago.

These non-conference opponents have become well-acquainted over the years with Mississippi State holding a 53-39 lead in the series after winning the last six matchups.

Although Mississippi State led late in the first half of its most recent game, it fell victim to a 13-2 TCU run leading into halftime and it never recovered in the second half. It shot just 36.5 percent from the field, while TCU made 48.9 percent of its tries from the floor, and its struggles carried over to the foul line (11-of-20). Fred Thomas shot 3-of-6 from 3-point range on his way to 14 points, while Gavin Ware and Travis Daniels netted 11 apiece.

On the season, the Bulldogs have found success behind an outstanding defensive effort, as they allow only 57.3 ppg on 38.5 percent shooting, which is more than enough to support a modest scoring offense (68.7 ppg). Their outstanding rebounding margin (+12.5) also goes a long way in helping out. Ware is an anchor in the paint with 13.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg and more than two blocks per contest. Thomas (13.3 ppg), Roquez Johnson (12.2 ppg) and Trivante Bloodman (9.0 ppg) have also been solid.

The Green Wave carried a 10-point lead into intermission in their latest game and never allowed that advantage to dip into single digits the rest of the way. They were hot from the field all night long, shooting 52.8 percent, and they also knocked down 21-of-25 at the foul line and dominated the rebounding battle, 37-22. Tre Drye made all seven of his attempts from the field on his way to 18 points. Jay Hook tallied 15 points and nine rebounds, Payton Henson netted 14 points off the bench and Jonathan Stark scored 13.

Putting points on the board has come easily for Tulane this season, as it pours in 77.0 ppg on just shy of 50-percent field goal shooting. Its scoring defense (62.1 ppg) is also impressive and it boasts positive margins both in terms of rebounding (+7.4) and turnovers (+2.4). Louis Dabney (12.6 ppg) and Hook (12.3 ppg) are neck-and-neck for the scoring lead, and the duo has combined to shoot 27-of-63 from 3-point range (.429). Starks brings 10.7 ppg to the table to go with 4.0 apg.

The Green Wave are rolling right now, and while Mississippi State's stout defense will likely slow down its potent shooting attack somewhat, expect the home team to still have the edge.