Clinging to a three-point lead with two minutes to play, Tulane went to its best player and the Wave held on for 20-17 win over American Conference foe Houston rallied before a crowd of 19,026 during the senior day at Yulman Stadium Saturday.
On third-and-9 from their own 33, Jonathan Banks found Terren Encalade for a first down as the Wave ran out the clock on their fifth victory of the season.
Banks finished 17-of-25 passing for 251 yards. He also ran for 68 yards on 11 carries. Terren Encalade had eight receptions for 186 yards and a touchdown.