University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
Saint Louis
Tigers Slam Saint Louis, 63-54
Feb 07, 2004 | Men's Basketball
Feb 7, 2004
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Antonio Burks scored 22 points Saturday afternoon as Memphis overcame a sloppy performance and connected on free throws down the stretch to defeat Saint Louis 63-54.
The Tigers (16-4, 7-2 Conference USA), who won their seventh consecutive game, connected on 11 of 14 free throws in the final 1:47 to prevent a Billiken comeback.
Saint Louis (11-8, 4-4), which lost its third straight, was hindered by a 32-percent shooting performance. Additionally, Memphis recorded a season-high 14 blocks, led by Duane Erwin's five rejections.
Burks connected on 8 of 14 shots, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range to lead the Tigers. Sean Banks added 13 points for Memphis, and Rodney Carney finished with 11 and keyed a second-half Memphis run that gave the Tigers the lead for good.
The two teams were tied 35-35 with just under 14 minutes left, when Memphis went on a 15-5 run for a 50-40 lead. Carney had 7 points in the streak, while Burks scored 6.
 Antonio Burks smiles as the game clock counts down the final minute in the Tigers' 63-54 victory.  |
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Reggie Bryant led the Billikens with 21 points, while Izik Ohanon scored 10 off the bench.
It was appropriate the game was close at the half - Saint Louis holding a slim 23-22 lead - because both teams played equally bad.
In the early stage, at best, the play was lackluster and sloppy. Through the first eight minutes, Memphis had one rebound, making the cheerleader who caught a Saint Louis air ball the Tigers' leading rebounder.
Neither team protected the basketball - Saint Louis recording 12 turnovers, while Memphis mishandled the ball 10 times. Memphis connected on 42 percent for the half, while Saint Louis managed 36 percent.
Bryant led the Billikens with 11 points, while Burks had 10 for Memphis.
Saint Louis, which has not won here since 1994, stayed close in the second half, until the Memphis run that gave the Tigers their first 10-point lead. The Billikens never got closer than five the rest of the way as Memphis hit its free throws.
