Women's basketball drops 66-59 decision to New Orleans

Tuesday, December 4

Memphis, Tenn.

5:30 p.m.

University of Memphis

New Orleans

Memphis

Photo by: Michael Wade

Women's basketball drops 66-59 decision to New Orleans

Dec 04, 2018 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis women's basketball team dropped a close game Tuesday night to New Orleans by a score of 66-59. The Tigers fall to 2-7 on the year.

Paced by Jamirah Shutes' 16 points, a push in the fourth quarter tipped the game in favor of the visiting Privateers.

After a slow start in the first quarter, the Tigers found themselves down 10-2 after New Orleans raced out of the gate. Undeterred, Memphis jumped back into contention, combining defensive stops and triples from Jasmine James and Kiana Coomber. James had seven points in the first period, keeping the Tigers within reach, 22-19, through the first 10 minutes of the game.

The second quarter was another closely contested period, marked by excellent efficiency from the Tigers. For the quarter, Memphis shot 8-for-11 from the floor, including a pair of threes on back-to-back possessions by Shutes and Coomber. After taking the lead, Memphis was able to build it to as many as five, but a buzzer-beater at the end of the half from New Orleans gave the Tigers a one-point, 37-36, advantage.

Out of intermission, the Privateers came out and reestablished the lead, but Memphis kept it close throughout. The Tigers amped up their defensive aggression, earning steals and getting out on the fast break. With a few minutes remaining in the third quarter, the long-anticipated debut of freshman Malainna 'Rudy' White came to fruition. She would contribute mainly on the defensive end, and her energy and tenacity produced several turnovers from the Privateers.

As the final quarter began, the Privateers extended their lead to almost double figures. But the Tigers would close the gap, going on a 6-0 run to get the score within four, topped off by fast break scores from Alana Davis and Taylor Barnes with 3:56 remaining. Five made free throws down the stretch for New Orleans would put the game out of reach for the Tigers.

In the closing seconds of the game, Alana Davis grabbed an offensive rebound and made a free throw to secure her fourth double-double of the season, ending with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Tigers finished with 46 rebounds compared to 38 by New Orleans.

The Tigers will hit the floor again on Sunday for a 2 p.m. tip against Samford. For more information on the Memphis women's basketball team, follow us on Twitter at @MemphisWBB.