University of Memphis Athletics
Tuesday, December 5
Memphis, Tenn.
7 PM
University of Memphis
5-2
65
vs
64
Samford
2-7
1
2
F
Samford
41
23
64
Memphis
32
33
65
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Tigers follow Johnson's dramatic shot to victory over Samford
Dec 05, 2017 | Men's Basketball
MEMPHIS 65, SAMFORD 64
Memphis, Tenn. – Freshman guard Jamal Johnson converted a three-point play with 2.5 seconds left to lift the University of Memphis to a dramatic, 65-64, come-from-behind victory Tuesday night over Samford at FedExForum.
Johnson grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled as his putback rolled around and rim and trickled through the net. He dropped in the free throw to give the Tigers (5-2) their second straight thrilling victory. Memphis defeated Mercer in two overtimes Saturday.
The Tigers were led by Kyvon Davenport's 17 points. Jeremiah Martin scored 15 points and Jimario Rivers scored nine points – all in the second half – and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.
Memphis overcame a flurry of early second-half turnovers with an aggressive defense that limited the Bulldogs (2-7) to 24 percent shooting in the final 20 minutes.
"Well, we got out and chased them," Tiger coach Tubby Smith said. "We ran them off the 3-point line. We did a better job contesting shots and elevating. I thought that was the key."
Samford entered the game averaging 10 3-pointers per outing, including a season-high 15 in a Nov. 16 loss at LSU. The Bulldogs were only 3-of-15 shooting from long range in the second half.
"It's tough because for 95 percent of the game our guys did everything they could do to secure a win," said Samford coach Scott Padgett. "(Memphis) really battled."
Samford led 41-32 at the half after shooting 56 percent, including going 6-for-13 from beyond the arc. The score was tied seven times in the first half, but Samford built a double-digit lead late in the first half.
The game marked a reunion for several members of the 1998 NCAA Champion Kentucky Wildcats, who were coached by Tubby Smith. Tigers assistant Saul Smith, coach Smith's son, and Samford coach Scott Padgett were players on the team.
The Tigers continue their four-game homestand with a noon tipoff Saturday against Bryant. The game will be carried by ESPN3.
Memphis, Tenn. – Freshman guard Jamal Johnson converted a three-point play with 2.5 seconds left to lift the University of Memphis to a dramatic, 65-64, come-from-behind victory Tuesday night over Samford at FedExForum.
Johnson grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled as his putback rolled around and rim and trickled through the net. He dropped in the free throw to give the Tigers (5-2) their second straight thrilling victory. Memphis defeated Mercer in two overtimes Saturday.
The Tigers were led by Kyvon Davenport's 17 points. Jeremiah Martin scored 15 points and Jimario Rivers scored nine points – all in the second half – and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.
Memphis overcame a flurry of early second-half turnovers with an aggressive defense that limited the Bulldogs (2-7) to 24 percent shooting in the final 20 minutes.
"Well, we got out and chased them," Tiger coach Tubby Smith said. "We ran them off the 3-point line. We did a better job contesting shots and elevating. I thought that was the key."
Samford entered the game averaging 10 3-pointers per outing, including a season-high 15 in a Nov. 16 loss at LSU. The Bulldogs were only 3-of-15 shooting from long range in the second half.
"It's tough because for 95 percent of the game our guys did everything they could do to secure a win," said Samford coach Scott Padgett. "(Memphis) really battled."
Samford led 41-32 at the half after shooting 56 percent, including going 6-for-13 from beyond the arc. The score was tied seven times in the first half, but Samford built a double-digit lead late in the first half.
The game marked a reunion for several members of the 1998 NCAA Champion Kentucky Wildcats, who were coached by Tubby Smith. Tigers assistant Saul Smith, coach Smith's son, and Samford coach Scott Padgett were players on the team.
The Tigers continue their four-game homestand with a noon tipoff Saturday against Bryant. The game will be carried by ESPN3.
Team Stats
SAM
MEM
FG%
.389
.415
3FG%
.321
.227
FT%
.765
.762
RB
30
36
TO
13
16
STL
10
6
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
17
FGM
6
3FGM
1
FTM
4
Pts
15
FGM
4
3FGM
2
FTM
5
Pts
9
FGM
4
3FGM
0
FTM
1
Pts
8
FGM
2
3FGM
1
FTM
3
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's Basketball
G/F
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