“It is all about perspective,” stated Alex Simmons, the head coach of the University of Memphis Lady Tigers, following their victory over the University of Texas at San Antonio at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse on Wednesday, February 28, with a final score of 60-53. This win boosts the Tigers’ record to 12-15 overall and 8-8 in the American Athletic Conference.
Reflecting on the game, Simmons remarked, “It was an ugly game, especially on the offensive end. But defensively, in the second and third quarters, we held them to 10 points. We brought it on the defensive end.”
This victory holds significant importance for the Tigers, who are currently tied for seventh place but are just one game away from third place with two games remaining in the season. They have the potential to finish as high as third place or as low as tenth in the American Athletic Conference standings. The top four seeds receive a double-bye in the postseason tournament, highlighting the critical nature of each remaining game.
During the game, the Tigers managed to keep the Roadrunners scoreless for nearly three minutes, closing the first half with a 29-24 lead. UTSA briefly tied the game early in the third quarter, but Memphis quickly regained the lead with a decisive 7-0 run. Despite UTSA’s efforts to regain control, Memphis maintained their lead into the final quarter, ultimately sealing their fourth consecutive win with a strong defensive effort and crucial free throws from Hannah Riddick and Destyne Jackson.
Madison Griggs led all scorers with 13 points, while Alasia Smith achieved her ninth double-double of the season with 12 points and 17 rebounds. Kai Carter also reached double figures, contributing 11 points, seven of which came from free throws.
On reaching a .500 conference record, Simmons expressed satisfaction: “It feels great. Early on, we were wondering if we would ever get back into it. Our team has been working hard. You wouldn’t know what our record was if you came to our practices. We have to stay focused on the important things.”
Simmons also praised Smith’s performance: “We weren’t rebounding well. The thing about Smith is she does the things we are doing well. That is what she did.”
With only two games left in the regular season, Memphis now finds itself in a five-way tie for seventh place in the AAC. The Tigers look forward to their final home game of the season against UAB at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse, with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday. Senior Day festivities are set to begin around 1:20 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN+.
Next up for the Tigers will be Senior Day at the Fieldhouse on Saturday, March 2, at 2 p.m. CT.
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