Sharp (free throw) shooting Tigers trip UConn

Saturday, February 1

Memphis, Tenn.

12 PM

University of Memphis

16-5,5-3AAC

UConn (Autism Speaks Game)

11-10,2-6AAC

UConn

Memphis

Lance Thomas (15) scored in double figures for the second straight game.

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Feb 01, 2020 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

UofM finishes strong at line to open three-game homestand with a win

By: Phil Stukenborg

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis – minus starting forward D.J. Jeffries – came through in the clutch Saturday against UConn

The Tigers made 16 of 19 free throws in the game's final 7:04 to offset the loss of Jeffries (out four-to-six weeks with a knee injury). They also overcame 24 turnovers in a 70-63 American Athletic Conference victory before 16,240 at FedExForum.

The UofM placed four players – Precious Achiuwa (16 points), Lance Thomas (14), Lester Quinones (14) and Alex Lomax (13) – in double figures as the Tigers improved to 16-5 overall and 5-3 in the AAC.

UConn fell to 11-10 overall and 2-6 in the conference. Christian Vital, one of two Huskies who fouled out, led UConn with 20 points and James Bouknight added 17.

The game was marred by turnovers as the teams combined to commit 44 (24 by the Tigers, 20 by the Huskies). But the Tigers played error-free in the game's final four-and-a-half minutes to secure the win, their second straight.

"Crazy game, that's all I have to say," Tigers coach Penny Hardaway said. "But I'm happy to get a win."

It was the fifth time this season the Tigers have committed 20 or more turnovers in a game.

"These turnovers, man they're disappointing," Hardaway said. "But I am proud of the guys for playing really good defense in the second half.

"To have a team shoot 20 more shots than us (65 to 45) and for us have 24 turnovers and win by seven? That says a lot about how good we can be. But at some point we have to turn the corner with these turnovers."

The Tigers held UConn to 27.3 percent shooting in the second half and 33.8 percent for the game. The Tigers blocked 10 shots, including five by Thomas who was making his second straight start. And the UofM held its own on the boards, outrebounding the Huskies, 35-34.

"Every game is a big game, there are no more small games for us," Hardaway said. "It's getting too close for seeding in the NCAA (tournament). You can't give games away you are supposed to win at home."

During the impressive finish, Lomax went 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Quinones drained one of the game's biggest shots, connecting on a 3-pointer fro the right corner to break a 56-56 tie with 2:44 to go.

Lomax said the Tigers were turnover-prone in the opening minutes because "we were trying to aggressive." Quinones said turnovers have been an issue all season, but "we are working on it."

The Tigers trailed by one at halftime and fell behind by four (38-34) in the opening minutes of the second half. But they used a 7-0 run to grab a 46-43 lead midway through the half.

The UofM couldn't pull away from the pesky Huskies. They climbed back to take a 56-55 lead with 4:32 left following two tree throws from Vital. Achiuwa tied the game with a free throw a minute later. The Tigers outscored the Huskies, 14-7, over the final 4:32. Twelve of those points came from the free throw line.

At the half, the Tigers trailed, 31-30, despite shooting 48 percent (12-of-25). The culprit was turnovers. The UofM committed 15 in the opening 20 minutes.

Without Jeffries, the Tigers still were able to build an early advantage. Memphis led, 15-7, midway through half after putting together an 11-0 run. Lomax scored five points during the run and Damion Baugh had four, the last two points coming on an emphatic dunk following a steal.

Not to be outdone, the Huskies countered with an 11-0 run of their own using a pair of 3-pointers – one each by Vital and Alterique Gilbert – to grab an 18-15 lead.

A 3-pointer by Thomas with 1:22 left allowed the Tigers to trim the UConn margin to one point, 31-30. Neither team scored in the closing minute.

The Tigers remain at home to play Temple at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

TIGERS NOTEBOOK

Guard Jayden Hardaway made the first start of his career for the injured D.J. Jeffries.
Jeffries missed the game with a left knee ligament strain. He was injured Thursday in practice after getting tangled up with Damion Baugh. Jeffries is expected to miss four-to-six weeks. "He is a huge part of this team," Lester Quinones said. "He's a hustle guy. We are just going to have to come together."
The Memphis bench scored only six points in Wednesday's win at UCF. The Tigers reserves had 12 points at halftime and 20 for the game.
Lance Thomas, who scored 20 points in Wednesday's win at UCF, added 14 points and five blocks Saturday. He averaged 17 points in two starts during the week.