University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
New Mexico
Lady Tiger Basketball Falls in Championship Game, 78-42
Dec 15, 2002 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 15, 2002
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The University of Memphis Lady Tiger basketball team dropped a 78-42 game in the championship game of the New Mexico/Southwest Airlines Shootout, Sunday. Senior center Shannon Hamp was the Lady Tigers' lone representative on the all-tournament team after scoring just four points and fouling out of the game at 14:13 in the second half.
"This is the best offensive executing team that we have ever faced in all my 11 years here," Head Coach Joye-Lee McNelis said. "They were patient, they executed, their post players can shoot the three and when we made defensive mistakes, they took advantage of them and scored."
Led by senior center Jordan Adams who garnered tournament MVP honors after a 30-point, 10-rebound effort, New Mexico had three players score double-digit points. Senior forward Chelsea Grear added 14 points, while Abbie Letz finished with 13 points.
The Lady Tigers spent most of the first half in foul trouble with starters Shannon Hamp and Jennifer Sullivan on the bench with three and two fouls, respectively. Memphis also went most of the first half with Jordie Soso, who tallied a double-double the previous day against Jackson State, as Soso, who battled the flu all weekend, was limited to just six minutes in the opening half.
"I was so proud of these kids," McNelis said. "Jordie tried so hard and gave us everything she had even though she's been sick all weekend. One big difference for us this game was that when our backs were to the wall, we didn't hang our heads. We huddled and talked and looked to the bench quickly for instructions for the next series. That was a big improvement for us, we did a lot of little things that have been a problem for this team so far this season."
Memphis did pull within seven in the opening half before New Mexico went on a 20-2 run that pulled out to a 20-point lead at the half. With the win, New Mexico improves to 8-1 overall. Memphis falls to 5-3 for the season.
Memphis returns home Monday night and will hit the road for a non-conference game at Middle Tennessee, Thursday.
