Late Tulsa Run Downs Memphis’ Comeback

Wednesday, January 5

Memphis, Tenn.

7 p.m.

University of Memphis

9-3,0-1AAC

Tulsa

11-1,1-0AAC

Tulsa

Memphis

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Jan 05, 2022 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Tigers opened their American Athletic Conference portion of the schedule tonight as they welcomed the Golden Hurricane from Tulsa. While Memphis was able to make a comeback in the second half, the outside shooting of the Golden Hurricane was too much to stop, and the Tigers suffered the 72-69 loss.

Following tonight's game, Memphis moves to 9-3 overall and 0-1 in AAC play.

Memphis found themselves in a hole early in the game; Tulsa opened the first quarter with four consecutive three-pointers from Maddie Bittle, Delanie Crawford and Maya Mayberry to take the 14-8 lead. Tyler Frierson would be the Tigers' saving grace as she made lay-ups on three trips down the floor to put Memphis down 22-15 heading into the second frame.

While Tulsa kept their lead through the second quarter and into halftime, Alana Davis would sink a lay-up at the buzzer to put Memphis down just one heading into the break.

The Memphis offense got the push they desperately needed to open the third quarter; baskets from Emani Jefferson, Jamirah Shutesand Madison Griggs would add up to a 9-0 run and give the Tigers their first lead of the day at 44-36. While the Golden Hurricane stayed within reaching distance of the Tigers, Memphis would head into the final 10 minutes of play with a 53-51 advantage following back-to-back free throws from Shutes.

Looking at a 67-67 tie with 43 seconds left in the game, Tulsa's Bittle would put the Golden Hurricane up following a contested three-pointer. Memphis would get a driving lay-up from Shutes with five seconds left, but Temira Poindexter would add in two made free throws in the final seconds of the game to hand Memphis their first AAC loss of the season at 72-69.

Madison Griggs led the way offensively for Memphis tonight with 15 points on 5-8 shooting. Jamirah Shutes, Alana Davis and Tyler Frierson all scored in double figures while Emani Jefferson grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds, six of them on the offensive end.

As a team, Memphis shot just under 40% from the field and drained six three-pointers tonight.

The Tigers will be back in action on Saturday afternoon when they host the Mustangs of SMU. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. Coverage of the game can be found on ESPN+ and on News Talk 98.9 The Roar of Memphis with Tyler Springs on the call.

Saturday's game will have free admission.

How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Basketball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.