Shutes Leads Memphis With 20 Points in Narrow Setback to Houston

Sunday, February 24

Memphis, Tenn.

1 p.m.

University of Memphis

Houston*

Houston

Memphis

Photo by: Joe Murphy

Shutes Leads Memphis With 20 Points in Narrow Setback to Houston

Feb 24, 2019 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis women's basketball team fell to Houston on Sunday by way of a 59-57 final. Jamirah Shutes led the Tigers with 20 points and eight rebounds. The Tigers fall to 10-17 overall and 5-9 in American Athletic Conference play.

Alana Davis also had a strong offensive showing, finishing the afternoon with 16 points and seven rebounds.

After keeping the turnover battle in their favor in the first half, the Tigers would give up several possessions down the stretch that ultimately led to the close loss.

Memphis opened the game with back-to-back buckets by Gazmyne Herndon and Shutes. From there, the offense would slow down, but Memphis' defense would be the calling card of the quarter. Memphis forced eight turnovers by the Cougars through the first 10 minutes and ended the first quarter with a 10-8 advantage.

The Tigers continued their defensive tear into the second quarter, going on an 11-5 run through the media timeout, including a 7-0 run to make it 23-12 with 5:54 left in the first half. Memphis forced seven more turnovers by the Cougars in the second quarter. Memphis controlled the ball, limiting itself to a season-low four. Shutes and Davis would go off in the second quarter, combining for 18 of the Tigers' 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting.

Although Houston shot 56 percent from the floor in the first half, the Cougars drained only one three-pointer and 33 percent of their free throws. The Tigers took a 32-21 lead into the half.

Coming out of the half, Houston started to find a rhythm. The Cougars would outscore the Tigers 19-13 in the third, marked by Houston only turning the ball over twice. The increased ball control helped the visitors limit the Tigers offense. Memphis had a five-point, 45-40, lead heading into the final quarter.

Houston regained the lead with 7:51 remaining in the fourth, putting the teams in a slugfest through the remainder of the contest. Both teams would keep it close, as the margin for either team never grew above five. Memphis had the lead down into the final minutes, but offensive rebounds for Houston combined with timely free throws lifted the visitors over Memphis.

Quick Notables

Jamirah Shutes scored 20 or more points for the fifth time this season, ending the game with 20 to lead the Tigers.
Shutes has led the team in scoring 13 times this season, the most of any AAC freshman this season.
Shutes extended her free throw streak to 37 consecutive made free throws.
Alana Davis also netted double-figures, finishing with 16 points.
Memphis forced Houston into 20 turnovers, the fourth team to commit 20-plus turnovers against the Tigers.
Memphis pulled down 15 offensive rebounds, keeping a trend of offensive rebounding. The Tigers have only pulled down single-digit offensive rebounds in three games this season.
Malainna 'Rudy' White scored a career-high six points and came away with a career-high three steals.
At the charity stripe, Memphis shot 84.6 percent (11-for-13). It was the seventh time this year Memphis shot over 80 percent from the free throw line.

Memphis heads to Dallas, Texas for its next game against SMU. Tip off against the Mustangs is set for 2 p.m. CT at Moody Coliseum. For more information on the Memphis women's basketball team, follow the Tigers on social media at @MemphisWBB.