University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
12-6, 3-1
UCF
14-4, 4-1
In Final Seconds, Memphis Falls at UCF, 68-67
Jan 18, 2012 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 18, 2012
ORLANDO, Fla. - Memphis dropped its first conference game of the season to UCF, 68-67, on Keith Clanton's old-fashioned three-point play with four ticks left on the clock. Will Barton dropped in 24 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Chris Crawford finished 12 points, eight boards and five assists.
In a second half full of runs, UCF (14-4, 4-1 C-USA) struck first with an 11-1 run, forcing Josh Pastner to call a timeout three minutes into the second half. Memphis (12-6, 3-1 C-USA) responded with a 13-2 spurt to cut the lead to two, 54-52, with 10:57 remaining in the game.
The Knights scored seven-straight to extend the lead back out to nine. But, Memphis displayed resiliency when it countered with a 12-2 run to regain its first lead, 64-63, since the opening half. Tarik Black had a chance to increase the lead, but was unable to convert on an alley-oop.
Marcus Jordan finished a driving lay-in to put UCF back on top with 1:22 left. But, Joe Jackson knocked down a pull-up three-pointer with the shot clock winding down to push Memphis back out front.
UCF failed to convert on its next offensive possession, forcing the Knights to foul Antonio Barton. Barton's front end of the one-and-one lipped out, giving UCF another chance.
A.J. Rompza attempted a long-range jumper that caromed off the glass to Clanton. Clanton converted the lay-in and was fouled by Wesley Witherspoon. Clanton knocked down the ensuing free throw and Memphis was unable to get a shot off.
Black scored 10 points for the Tigers, who shot 51.0 percent (26-of-51) for the game. Jackson scored seven points and handed out a game-high six assists. UCF shot 24-of-54 (44.4 percent) for the game.
Despite 16-first half points from Will Barton, Memphis trailed by three, 41-38, at the break. Barton connected on his first six shots from the floor, before finally missing on a contested 10-footer with 2:26 remaining in the frame.
The Tigers connected on 15-of-24 (62.5 percent) of its field-goal attempts in the half, but gave up 12 points on six turnovers and allowed the Knights to shoot 15-of-29 (51.7 percent) from the floor. UCF's Clanton nearly matched Barton in the first half, scoring 15 points of his own.
Clanton finished the game with 23 points and eight rebounds to lead the Knights. Marcus Jordan added 20 points.
Matt Doherty and the SMU Mustangs will head to the Bluff City for a 12:00 noon C-USA matchup at FedExForum.Visit GoTigersGo.com for information regarding Tiger athletics.
