Slow Offensive Start Proves Costly in Tigers Loss to Tulsa

Wednesday, January 26

Tulsa, Okla.

6:30 p.m.

University of Memphis

11-6,2-4AAC

Tulsa

13-3,3-2AAC

Memphis

Tulsa

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Slow Offensive Start Proves Costly in Tigers Loss to Tulsa

Jan 26, 2022 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

TULSA, Okla.- A slow offensive start would be costly to the Tigers tonight as they fell 80-68 to the Golden Hurricane of Tulsa.

Following tonight's game, Memphis moves to 11-6 overall and 2-4 in American Athletic Conference play.

Slow offensive sets from both sides saw minimal scoring to open the first quarter with the Tigers taking a 6-2 lead after baskets from Jamirah Shutes, Madison Griggs and Alana Davis. Memphis would keep their lead until 2:58 left in the quarter when Maya Mayberry hit a 15-foot jumper to make it a 7-6 Tulsa advantage.

Offense from both teams continued to struggle as the Tigers took an 11-10 lead going into the second quarter.

While Memphis started out hot in the second quarter, going on a 7-2 run to take an 18-16 lead

The Golden Hurricane's offense would explode in the second quarter, giving them a 32-23 advantage going into halftime.

The Tiger offense continued to try and chip away at the Golden Hurricane lead in the third quarter, but Tulsa would extend their lead out to as much as 18 before heading into the final 10 minutes of play with the 62-44 lead.

The duo of Emani Jefferson and Maya Stovall made it interesting in the fourth quarter for Memphis; the point guards combined for 14 of the teams 24 points in the final minutes of the game. After begin down by as much as 16, the Tiger's offense finally got some spark.

Memphis would cut their deficit to as little as nine with 1:31 left in the game after Lanetta Williams sank a short jumper in the lane. But, free throws from Tulsa down the stretch would keep the Tigers at bay and eventually lead to the 80-68 loss.

Both Emani Jefferson and Maya Stovall has career days on the offensive end with 22 and 14 points, respectively, while leading the team in scoring. Jamirah Shutes also hit double figures in scoring with 10 points while Alana Davis added in eight points and had a game-high six rebounds.

The Tigers will be back in Elma Roane Fieldhouse this Saturday when they host the Owls of Temple University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. Coverage of the game can be found on ESPN+ and on News Talk 98.9 The Roar of Memphis with Tyler Springs on the call.

How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Basketball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.