University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
6-9,0-2American
East Carolina
10-5,2-0American
Tigers Fall in Crunch Time at East Carolina
Jan 03, 2026 | Women's Basketball
GREENVILLE, N.C. – Memphis women's basketball fell at East Carolina, 74-65, on Saturday afternoon at Minges Coliseum.
The game saw 17 lead changes and 15 ties, and the Tigers (6-9, 0-2 American) took a one-point lead with 2:41 remaining, but the Pirates would convert 12 of 13 free throws down the stretch to win their sixth consecutive game. Tamya Smith led the team with 11 points, and Cori Allen and Jordan Hunter each had 10.
Memphis shot its third-highest field goal percentage of the season (42.4%) while holding East Carolina (10-5, 2-0 American) to 36.9%, but offensive rebounds and free throws ruled the day for the hosts, who took six more shots and nine more free throws. Four Pirates hit double figures, led by Jayla Hearp and Keanna Rembert with 16 each.
The lead changed hands seven times in the first quarter alone, with Smith scoring her first basket of the game to halt a 7-0 run. The Tigers found momentum as the game progressed, leading by as much as five late in the second half before the Pirates connected on their only two threes of the half in quick succession through Savannah Brooks.
Memphis found its groove offensively early in the third quarter, connecting on six consecutive field goals to spark a 12-4 run and lead 48-40. From there, the balance of the game got out of the Tigers' control; a total of 10 fouls were called in the quarter, seven of which on Memphis leading to eight free throw attempts. Coupled with a three-minute scoring drought, East Carolina produced a 10-0 run of their own to take a two-point advantage into the final quarter.
Through Hunter and Paris Gaines, Memphis got off the mat and took a 58-56 lead with four minutes remaining. Each team scored on their next two possessions, capped with a clutch jumper from Kennedi Alexander to take a 62-61 lead with 2:41 to go. On the ensuing possession, Chaé Harris was called for both a shooting foul and a technical foul, fouling her out of the game and giving Rembert four free throws. The Pirate forward connected on all of them and drew a foul on the following possession to take a lead that the Tigers could not erase.
Memphis returns to Elma Roane Fieldhouse on Wednesday, January 7, for the conference home opener against Florida Atlantic at 7 p.m.
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.
