MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Kevin Sims scored 14 points, including the winning free throws with 6.4 seconds left, and
Marshall (16-14) had little chance to get off a shot in the final seconds because Tulane (17-14) had two fouls to give, preventing Marshall from advancing to ball into the front court.
Markel Humphrey's shot from the top of the key at the end was blocked by Donnavan Stith. Tulane will play No. 2 Memphis, the tournament's top seed, in Thursday's second round.
Tulane closed the game with 11 unanswered points after Marshall took its biggest lead of the game, 47-37 with 6:19 left.
Tirrell Baines led Marshall with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Tyler Wilkerson added 10.
