Fueled by a 9-0 run, the University of Memphis men’s basketball team pulled away from the Louisiana Tech squad in the second half to pick up a 61-50 win over the visiting Bulldogs.
It was the Tigers’ first home game after a four-game road trip to the Maui Invitational. The team went 3-1 for the tournament – including a surprise win over the number two ranked defending national champion Uconn Huskies – along with a win over perennial powerhouse MIchigan St. They ultimately fell to number No. 4 Auburn 90-76 in the final.
“I think it hurt a little bit. Especially if you don’t come out and be aggressive from the beginning. With this team, they have not been in enough battles to know what to do. We are getting better in trusting our teammates,” said Memphis Coach Penny Hardaway.
The Tigers climb to 7-1 on the season. They are ranked 16th in the Associated Press poll.
“When you beat Connecticut and Michigan State, you get a hundred text messages. You start believing that – that is the task with a new team. We just have to change a few things and change our mindset and we will be ok,” said Hardaway.
Memphis found the extra gear after a 12-2 early second half run tied the game 63-63. Senior Guard Tyrese Hunter’s 3-point shot capped Memphis’ run, pushing the lead to 72-63. It proved to be the nail in the coffin for Louisiana Tech.
Hunter scored 20 points, shooting 7-13 from the field. Backcourt mate P.J. Haggerty led all scorers with 23 points. In addition to going a perfect 12-12 from the free throw line, sophomore dished six assists. A two-way player, he also had seven steals on the game. The third starting guard, Colby Rogers, pitched in 13 points.
“I have confidence in these guys,” said Coach Hardaway.
Memphis outscored Louisiana Tech 44-33 in the second half. The Tigers outrebounded the Bulldogs 39-25.
Memphis got of to a good start, opening 28-20 with 7:57 left in the first half. However, the offense bogged down, allowing the Bulldogs to take a three-point lead. Poor shooting was the culprit. Memphis went 1-9 from the three-point range in that half.
The Bulldogs took advantage, knocking down 8-13 from deep to take a 38-37 lead by the half. The Tigers clawed their way back. Hunter’s triple with 11:01 left gave the Tigers 61-50 advantage.
Louisiana Tech 7-2 was led by Al Green’s 18 points off the bench. The junior guard shot 6-9, including 5-7 from deep. Junior Guard Sean Newman Jr. finished with 13 points and 11 assists, while Daniel Batcho added 12 points and six blocks. Amaree Abram and Kaden Cooper each chipped in 10 points.
The Bulldogs shot well from deep, finishing the game going 13 of 23 from beyond the arc. Memphis hit six out of 17.
After a few days rest, the Tigers will host the Arkansas St. Red Wolves at FedEx forum on Sunday, Dec. 8. Tipoff is at 3 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN.
