University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
Marquette
Tigers Hold Off Marquette
Feb 26, 2000 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 26, 2000
By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
MILWAUKEE - Courtney Trask had 13 points as Memphis won its third straight, beating Marquette 53-49 Saturday.
Both teams collapsed offensively in the closing minutes. Memphis didn't have a field goal in the game's last 7:05 and missed three of its six free throws in the final minute, but Marquette missed four shots in the final 48 seconds and couldn't get an offensive rebound.
The Tigers (12-15, 5-9 Conference USA) hung on for just their second road win of the season. Memphis is making a late charge in the league standings and may be a team to watch in the Conference USA tournament.
The loss likely ended the NCAA tournament hopes of Marquette (14-11, 7-7), which couldn't score again after Cordell Henry's 3-pointer made it 50-49 with 2:28 left. The Golden Eagles upset South Florida on Thursday night but looked tired Saturday in losing for the third time in four games.
John Cliff led the Golden Eagles with 18 points, but he missed two 3-pointers in the final minute. Leading scorer Brian Wardle got in foul trouble early, didn't score in the first half and finished with two points.
Memphis held Marquette without a field goal for nearly nine minutes of the half, during which time the Tigers made a 13-1 run. Trask and Shannon Forman hit late 3-pointers that gave Memphis a 33-23 halftime lead. Marquette played the first half without recording an assist.
Marquette came back with a 17-7 run, tying the game twice midway through the second half. But the Golden Eagles couldn't get a lead, and they lost at home for the third time in four games.
Marquette alum and Orlando Magic coach Doc Rivers attended the game.
