University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
2-1
Tennessee Tech
2-2
Tigers Bounce Back to Defeat Tennessee Tech 92-59
Nov 20, 2009 | Men's Basketball
PDF Stats Memphis/Tennessee Tech 
MEMPHIS, Tenn.--Led by Elliot Williams' career high 23 points, along with three other Tigers in double figures, the University of Memphis (2-1;0-0) knocked off Tennessee Tech (2-2;0-0) 92-59 at FedExForum Friday night. This marks the third time Williams has set a career high in points this season, as the sophomore has now bested his mark by two points in each of the first three games.
""Let me say this first, winning by 30 is hard," said Memphis head coach Josh Pastner. "It doesn't matter what level--junior high, highschool, AAU, college, pro--winning by 30 is just hard."
Willie Kemp added 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Roburt Sallie scored 10 points on 4-9 shooting. Getting the starting nod for the first time this season, Will Coleman scored eight points to goalong with nine rebounds in 22 minutes.
Kemp's 11 points mark his highest point total since scoring nine against East Carolina on January 28, 2009.
Tennessee Tech was able to keep the game close early, closing the deficit to five when Kevin Murphy knocked in a jumper at the 6:45 mark. However, the Golden Eagles, who were playing their second game in as many days, couldn't keep up as Memphis would go on a 10-0 run over the next three minutes to put the game out of reach. The Tigers then ended the half with a duo of explosive dunks, first by Williams and then by Coleman, to make it 40-23 going into the locker room.
"I thought they handled things well and their schemes were really good," said Tennessee Tech head coach Mike Sutton. "We tried to change defenses, but if we could have made shots early on, we could have given them some different looks."
Tonight marked the resurgence of the Mack attack, as Doneal Mack scored 20 points, including 17 in the second half on 8-14 shooting in 25 minutes. Mack's 20 total points is his highest point total since Nov. 20, 2008 when he scored 19 against Chattanooga.
Kevin Murphy led the Golden Eagles with a game high tying 23 points to go along with four assists. Jud Dillard was the only other Golden Eagle in double figures, scoring 12 points in 20 minutes.
The Tigers "D" was stifling again Friday night, getting 14 steals, forcing 24 turnovers and turning them into 27 points off turnovers. This marks the third consecutive game in which Memphis has forced 20 or more turnovers.
After struggling from beyond the arc in the opening two contests, Memphis was able to finally find its touch from three against Tennessee Tech, connecting on nine three pointers in the contest.
Memphis shot 55.7% from the floor on 34-61 shooting, including 37.5% from beyond the arc. The Tigers' free throw shooting woes continue, however, as they connected on only 15-26 from the charity stripe. Tennessee Tech shot 42.6% from the floor on 23-54 shooting, including just 2-9 from the beyond arc.
With the victory, Memphis now moves to 27-24 against Tennessee Tech all time, including a record of 20-7 when the game is played in Memphis.
Next up for Memphis is a tilt with Central Arkansas on Tuesday, November 24. The game is slated to tip off at 7 p.m. (CT) at FedExForum.
