Tigers Quick Start Not Enough to Defeat Knights

Saturday, February 5

Orlando, Fla.

3 p.m.

University of Memphis

13-7,4-5AAC

UCF

16-3,8-1AAC

Memphis

UCF

Feb 05, 2022 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

ORLANDO, Fla.- After finally making it to Florida and escaping an ice storm in Memphis, the Tigers played in their only road game of the week at UCF. While Memphis started out hot, UCF's aggressive defense held the Tigers to just 20 points in the opening half and would eventually take the 71-57 win.

Following today's game, Memphis moves to 13-7 overall and 4-5 in AAC play.

The Tigers opened the game on a 7-0 run that saw buckets from Alana Davis and Madison Griggs and forced UCF to burn a timeout just two minutes into the game. Memphis would extend their lead out to as much 10-2 after Griggs drained her second three-pointer of the game.

From there, the Knights would go on a 9-0 run to take the lead at 11-10 with 2:21 left in the game. Memphis and UCF would trade baskets through the remainder of the quarter before the Knights took a 17-15 lead.

The Memphis offense would struggle in the second quarter, being held to just five points and facing a 29-20 deficit going into the halftime break.

UCF's offense continued their charge into the second half, extending their lead out to as much as 14.

Memphis began to chip away at the Knights lead, getting within six points of UCF with 2:05 remaining in the game. The duo of Emani Jefferson and Alana Davis sank a combined 11 free throws in the final quarter while Jamirah Shutes added in a clutch three-pointer and made consecutive free throws.

But, UCF's Diamond Battles would secure the Knights the win after she went 9-10 from the free throw line in the final 10 minutes of the game. While Memphis pushed the ball as time expired, they were unable to string together a run and suffered the 71-57 loss.

Alana Davis and Madison Griggs led the way in scoring for the Tigers tonight with 16 and 13 points, respectively, while Emani Jefferson nearly missed a double-double with nine points and a team-high nine rebounds.

As a team, Memphis shot 32.7% from the field and drained seven three-pointers in the contest. They also sank 14 free throws today with 13 of them coming in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers will be back in action on Thursday, Feb. 10 when they host the Green Wave of Tulane University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. 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.