Tigers Unable to Come Back from Early SMU Lead

Saturday, January 8

Memphis, Tenn.

1 p.m.

University of Memphis

9-4,0-2AAC

SMU

7-6,1-0AAC

SMU

Memphis

Photo by: Zach Wall

Jan 08, 2022 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn.– The Memphis offense struggled to find their groove today as the Mustangs of SMU held the Tigers to just 18 first half points and ended up handing Memphis the 63-44 loss.

Following today's game, Memphis moves to 9-4 overall and 0-2 in AAC play.

It was a rough start to the Tigers, finding themselves down 11-1 after the first media timeout.

Memphis would get back-to-back three-pointers from Maya Stovall and Alana Davis to cut their deficit to 15-9, but SMU would add in another bucket with 31 seconds left in the quarter and take the 17-9 game into the second quarter.

In almost identical fashion, the Mustang defense held the Memphis offense quiet in the second frame of play and pushed their lead out to 32-18 at the half.

SMU's offense continued to push through the Memphis defense in the third quarter, taking a 57-35 lead into the final 10 minutes of play.

The Tigers found a spark to open the fourth quarter, going on a 7-0 run that included baskets from Jamirah Shutes, Makaiya Brooksand Lanetta Williams to cut their deficit to 15. But, the SMU lead was too much for Memphis to make a comeback and they faced the 63-44 loss.

Jamirah Shutes led the way for Memphis with nine points and nine rebounds while Emani Jefferson and Alana Davis both added in seven points each.

The Tigers will be back in action next weekend when they travel to Kansas to take on Wichita State on Sunday afternoon. Memphis will then travel to New Orleans to face-off against the Green Wave of Tulane on Wednesday, Jan. 19. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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.