Tigers Hot Start Spoiled by Late Lion Offense

Monday, November 7

Memphis, Tenn.

7 p.m.

University of Memphis

0-1,0-0AAC

Columbia

1-0,0-0Ivy League

Columbia

Memphis

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Nov 07, 2022 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Playing in their first game of the 2022-23 season, the Tigers welcomed Columbia University to the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. While Memphis got out to a fast start, the Lions offense would come alive in the fourth quarter and hand the Tigers the 77-69 loss.

After a back-and-forth game to start, the Tigers would break away from Columbia after consecutive baskets from Madison Griggs, Destyne Jackson, Emani Jefferson and Jamirah Shutes for the 16-9 lead. Jefferson would get an easy lay-up in the paint with 45 seconds left in the first quarter and give Memphis the 18-9 lead heading into the second frame.

While the Tigers continued to dominate offensively, Columbia would not go away. After a three-pointer from Shutes put Memphis up 28-19 with 4:41 left in the half, the Lions would go on a 13-6 run to close the quarter and make it a 34-32 ballgame.

The saga continued in the third quarter; the Lions kept it close, going 7-10 from the free throw line. The Tigers would get their largest lead of the quarter when Tanyuel Welch drained a three-pointer from the wing with just over two minutes left in the quarter.

Following back-to-back free throws from Columbia's Jaida Patrick and one last free throw from Jackson, the teams would take a 54-50 Memphis advantage into the final 10 minutes of play.

Columbia's offense exploded in the fourth quarter, getting 10 of their 27 fourth quarter points from Abbey Hsu in the final frame.

While the Tigers would keep it close following a three-pointer from Griggs and a lay-up from Aliyah Green, the Lions would sink three free-throws in the final stretch to claim the 77-69 win.

Griggs and Shutes led the way in scoring for Memphis with a combined 35 points while Emani Jefferson and Lanetta Williams grabbed six and five rebounds, respectively.

As a team, the Tigers shot 43.8% from the field and went 7-18 from long range. Their defense forced Columbia into 18 turnovers.

Memphis will be back in the Elma Roane Fieldhouse this Saturday, Nov. 12 when they host Howard University. Tip-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT with coverage available on ESPN+ and on 98.9 THE ROAR OF MEMPHIS.

Season and single-game tickets are available now at GoTigersGo.com or by calling the ticket office at (901) 678-2331.

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.