University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
UT Martin
Lady Tigers Down UT Martin 73-50
Dec 07, 2005 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 7, 2005
Box Score
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis took advantage of a struggling UT Martin offense in the first half en route a 73-50 victory in the Elma Roane Fieldhouse, Wednesday. UT Martin managed just four field goals in the first half and just two in the first 17 minutes of the game.
Memphis would work the ball around the perimeter and exploit the openings for either the posts inside or would score off the dribble-drive as the Lady Tigers shot out to a 16 point lead at 24-8 with 10:17 remaining. The Lady Tigers out-rebounded the Skyhawks 26-14 in the opening half and shot 47.2 percent from the field taking advantage of open looks by the posts down low.
"We did a really good job early in the first half of getting the ball down to our posts and scoring high percentage shots," Head Coach Blair Savage said. "When you move the ball around, that creates openings and that helped our field goal percentage."
Memphis continued the hot hand in the second half, shooting 54.2 percent in the second stanza despite being out-rebounded 15-14.
"We have to learn to push through when we're tired," Savage said. "If we can do that, we have the potential to be a really good team."
Junior Devin Necaise had her fourth-straight double-digit scoring night, leading all scorers with 18 points and adding a career-high eight assists. Sophomore Gresh Gorman scored a career-high 16 points in the win, while freshman Paris Leonard added 12 points and three steals in 28 minutes.
Pre-season all-conference honoree Andreika Jackson led UTM with 13 points, while Phyllisha Mitchell came off the bench to add 10 points. Crystal Fuller led all rebounders with 10 boards, falling just short of a double-double with nine points.
Memphis will break for final exams and will next host Ole Miss, Friday, Dec. 16th in the Elma Roane Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. UTM will return to conference play and will host Jacksonville State, Saturday.
