Memphis drops 51-38 decision to George Washington

Tuesday, January 1

Washington, D.C

1 p.m.

University of Memphis

(5-8)

George Washington

(3-10)

Memphis

George Washington

Photo by: Matthew Smith

Jan 01, 2019 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis women's basketball team started 2019 with a loss, dropping a low-scoring, 38-51 finish to George Washington on Tuesday afternoon.

The Tigers were led by Jamirah Shutes' nine points. Alana Davis scored eight points, shooting only one field goal, but getting to the free throw line eight times.

Tuesday's opening quarter was a slow-moving affair, as both teams struggled to find the bottom of the net. Jada Stinson opened the scoring for the Tigers with a catch and shoot three, but the offense would come slowly. Turnovers and missed opportunities would be the theme of the first stanza, and the score would end 8-7 in favor of the home team.

While the Colonials started finding a rhythm in the second quarter, the Tigers largely experienced the same struggles of the first quarter, struggling to find baskets and keep possession. Uncharacteristically of Memphis, the Tigers gave up five offensive rebounds while collecting zero for themselves. With possessions ending with one shot or a turnover, Memphis allowed the Colonials' lead to grow, and trailed 22-16 at the end of the first half.

As the game entered the second half, the Tigers continued to limit the offense of George Washington, and were able to piece together its best offensive quarter of the game to that point. Memphis, after shooting only two free throws in the first half, fought its way to the line for seven more free throws in the quarter. Davis, for her part, battled inside and found her way to the charity stripe six times in the third. Memphis still trailed at the end of the quarter 36-29.

Memphis' effort on the defensive end continued to be a priority with the offense struggling, but the Colonials were able to sustain enough offense to continue to keep its lead. As was the theme of the game, Memphis struggled from the field. Keeping trend with the second half, however, the Tigers fought their way to the free throw line, but were unable to capitalize on their chances.

Quick Notables:

Memphis held George Washington to 30.5% from the field. GW is the seventh team that has shot under 40% against the Tigers this season.
The Tigers, normally a team that thrives on the offensive glass, only grabbed nine offensive rebounds.
Four Tigers hit a shot from beyond the arc, including Jamirah Shutes hitting her team-leading 16^th triple of the year.
Alana Davis grabbed seven rebounds, leading the team for the ninth time this season.

The Tigers' next game is the conference opener against UCF, opening league play on January 5th at 4 p.m. For more information on the Memphis women's basketball team, follow us on Twitter at @MemphisWBB.