Achiuwa's first double-double paces Tigers

Wednesday, November 20

Memphis, Tenn.

7 PM

University of Memphis

4-1,0-0AAC

Little Rock

3-2,0-0Sun Belt

Little Rock

Memphis

Alex Lomax (2) came off the bench to contribute seven points, seven assists and four steals.

Photo by: Joe Murphy

Nov 20, 2019 | Men's Basketball

Box Score Gamebook (UM 68, LR 58)

UofM overcomes slow start to knock off Little Rock, 68-58

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – To say the University of Memphis overcame a slow start against Little Rock Wednesday night would be understating matters. The 16^th-ranked Tigers didn't score in the game's first five-plus minutes and fell behind by nine.

But eventually the UofM's talent took over and the Tigers were able to claim a 68-58 victory before 15,390 at FedExForum in the second game of a three-game homestand.

Two members of the Tigers' top-ranked 2019 recruiting class stepped when needed most. Precious Achiuwa had 16 points and 12 rebounds for the first double-double of his career and D.J. Jeffries added 15 points – all in the first half – to tie his career-high and avoid an upset bid by the Trojans (3-2).

The Tigers (4-1) also got key contributions from reserves Isaiah Maurice and Alex Lomax. Maurice had nine rebounds and four blocks in 15 minutes and Lomax added seven assists, seven points and four steals in an efficient 26 minutes.

Memphis coach Penny Hardaway wasn't surprised by his team's sluggish start. He noticed a "taking-Little Rock-for-granted" mentality in the pregame locker room.

"There wasn't the same energy and I don't know why, I don't have any excuses for that," Hardaway said. "Then we came out on the floor and got down 9-0.

"And I kind of liked when it was a close game in the last five minutes. I wanted to know what we were made of. I wanted to see who was ready for the moment. It doesn't always need to be a blowout because you need some tests."

The win was a welcome mood lift for the Tigers. Before the game, the NCAA informed the school that 7-foot-1 freshman center James Wiseman must be withheld from 12 games of competition, stemming from a NCAA violation several years ago. The University will immediately appeal the decision.

Memphis, ahead by five at the half, pushed its advantage to 10 (35-25) two minutes into the half following a Lance Thomas dunk and a free throw by Boogie Ellis. But the Tigers had a difficult time pulling way because of a Little Rock defense that forced 19 Memphis turnovers.

"It (defense) has to be our calling card," said Little Rock coach Darrell Walker. "I don't have all the weapons that Penny has."

Memphis was never able to build a lead bigger than 10 points. Little Rock actually trimmed the margin to two points (50-48, 52-50 and 55-53) in the final eight minutes, but never was able to take the lead.

The Trojans placed four in double figures led by 5-7 guard Markquis Nowell with 16 points.

In the first half, the Tigers struggled from the outset and fell behind, 9-0. They gradually got back into the game behind Jeffries, who had 15 of the team's 28 first-half points.

"We came out a little flat-footed," Achiuwa said. "Then (Jeffries) carried the team. If it wasn't for D.J., the outcome of the game would have been different."

It was a driving dunk by Jeffries with 4:32 to go in the opening half that gave the Tigers their first lead at 20-19. A put-back by Jeffries at the buzzer gave the UofM its 28-23 halftime advantage.

Memphis missed its first eight shots and shot 33 percent in the first half. But Jeffries helped ignite a key 14-2 run late in the half that allowed the Tigers to take a 26-21 lead.

The Tigers committed 10 turnovers in the first half, but forced the Trojans into 14.

Memphis remains at home Saturday to play Ole Miss in a game that tips off at noon at FedExForum.