Tigers Lock Down ECU, Claim 58-46 Victory

Saturday, January 19

Memphis, Tenn.

11 a.m.

University of Memphis

ECU*

East Carolina

Memphis

Photo by: Matthew Smith

Jan 19, 2019 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Taylor Barnes led the way with season-high 18 points

By: Jen Hannah

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis women's basketball team defeated ECU with a solid 58-46 victory on Saturday afternoon. Stifling defense and aggressive driving to the basket put the Tigers in a position to control the double-digit victory to improve to 7-10 overall and 2-2 in American Athletic Conference play.

Paced by a season-high 18 points from Taylor Barnes, the defensive intensity from the Tigers ruled the afternoon, as Memphis held the Pirates to 24.7 percent shooting. Jamirah Shutes and Alana Davis also scored in double-figures, notching 16 and 11 points, respectively.

"The important thing is that we didn't play well and we still came away with a victory," head coach Melissa McFerrin said. "We might have to win ugly games, and we did today."

A defensive battle in the first quarter, Memphis held the Pirates to just 27 percent shooting and zero trips to the free throw line. On the other side, the Tigers used points in the paint and free throws to build a 13-10 lead after one.

The Tigers came out in the second quarter looking to increase the intensity of their defense. Getting quick stops and fast responses on offense extended the lead to nine, forcing ECU to call a timeout with Memphis up 19-10 and 7:35 remaining in the quarter.

With 3:51 left before halftime, Ashia Jones checked in, marking her official Memphis debut. Originally transferring to Memphis prior to the 2015-16 season from UT Martin, Jones has dealt with injuries that have kept her from suiting up for the Tigers.

By checking into the game, Jones completes a remarkable comeback and an incredible story of dedication and perseverance. She made an impact immediately, drawing a charge and scoring her first Memphis basket on back-to-back plays. As the clock ticked down, Barnes hit a corner three, giving the Tigers a double-digit 32-20 halftime lead.

"It was really good to get Ashia Jones back. This kid's been waiting four years to step back on the court, and I'm really happy to see her on the court," McFerrin said of Jones' debut. "She's not where she used to be, and she's not where she's going to be a month from now, but I'm still really happy to see her out there on the court. She's an inspiration for our team."

Opening the second half, the Tigers and Pirates battled neck-and-neck, with each team making runs in the period. Alana Davis scored five in the quarter, bringing her total into double-figures. After three quarters, Memphis led 51-40.

The Memphis defense came out in stifling fashion in the fourth, holding ECU to just one of its first 15 shots in the quarter. Though the Pirates dominated the offensive glass early in the quarter, the Tigers contested shots and kept points off the board. The low-scoring quarter ended with a Memphis victory, 58-46.

Quick Notables

Redshirt senior Ashia Jones checked into the game with 3:51 left in the second quarter, marking her Memphis debut. Jones made her presence known, taking a charge and scoring her first bucket as a Tiger on back-to-back possessions.
Jones would finish her debut with three points and three rebounds.
Taylor Barnes was the first Tiger to hit double-figure scoring, netting 10 points in the first half. She would go on to finish with a season-high 18 points.
Alana Davis executed several give-and-go's to perfection, and set a career-high in assists, logging three helpers.
Jamirah Shutes scored in double-digits for the 12^th time this season, finishing with 16 points.
The Memphis defense held ECU to 24.7 percent. The Tigers have now held four opponents to under 30 percent shooting.

Memphis hits the road for its next contest, traveling to Tampa, Florida next Wednesday for a game against USF. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m. For more information on the Memphis women's basketball team, follow the Tigers on Facebook and Twitter at @MemphisWBB.