The Memphis Tigers came into Saturday’s women’s basketball game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane seeking their second conference win of the season. It was a game with even more significance as the annual “Play4Kay” game was taking place in the Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
But even with star Jamirah Shutes out with a season-ending knee injury, the Tigers (11-10, 2-6 AAC) took care of business, beating Tulsa 63-44.
Shutes watched from the sidelines as her team hit Tulsa with an all-around scoring attack. In her previous game against East Carolina, Shutes scored a career-high 32 points in a 71-65 setback against the ECU Green Pirates.
Despite the absence of Shutes, the Tigers were able to keep the pesky Golden Hurricane (6-16, 1-8 AAC) at bay the entire afternoon with an attack centered around forward Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu, who produced yet another double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
The Tigers got off to a fabulous start, holding the Golden Hurricane of Tulsa to a paltry 9 of 31 from the field in the first half, as the Tigers took a 30-20 lead into intermission.
However, when Tulsa cut the lead to nine in the fourth quarter, Memphis was able to extend their margin and flex on the Golden Hurricane, as they outscored Tulsa 32-24 in the second half.
Lady Tigers head coach Melissa McFerrin liked the way that her team played, despite the lost of her star player Shutes.
“I think a good thing about our team is that we have about five or six kids that score around eight points per game,” McFerrin said after the game. “Dulcy and Maddie (Madison Griggs) have the ability to be go-to players for us, and in certain situations, Gazmyne (Herndon).”
Addison Richards led Tulsa with nine points and five rebounds, while Kendrian Elliott chipped in eight points and seven rebounds. Guards Kayla Moutry and Maddie Bittle contributed five points apiece for the Lady Golden Hurricane.
Gazmyne Herndon of Memphis produced 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Keke Hunter scored 9 points and 3 rebounds, Despite shooting 1-7 from the field, Aerial Wilson still managed score 5 points, grab 4 rebounds, and dish out 2 assists. Julan McDonald, who has come along during the season, provided the Tigers with a boost off the bench with 8 points and 3 rebounds. McFerrin knows that everyone must contribute with the loss of Shutes, and the victory over Tulsa was a good start.
