Late Tiger Run Spoiled by Blazer Offense

Wednesday, January 3

Birmingham, Ala.

6 p.m.

University of Memphis

4-9,0-2AAC

UAB

11-3,2-0AAC

Memphis

UAB

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Jan 03, 2024 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Looking to get back in the win column, the University of Memphis women's basketball team made a road trip down to Birmingham, Ala. to face-off with the Blazers of UAB. A late run from the Tigers was squashed by late free throws from the Blazers as Memphis suffered the 65-63 loss.

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

The Tigers opened the game with a quick 7-3 lead following consecutive baskets from Ki'Ari Cain and Madison Griggs. UAB cut into the Memphis lead while holding the team to just 23 percent from the field in the opening 10 minutes.

While the Blazers took an 11-9 lead with just over four minutes left in the opening frame, Griggs nailed a short jumper from the wing to make it a tied ball-game heading into the second quarter.

The shooting struggles continued for Memphis; as the Blazers' defense locked down, the Tigers fought to stay within reaching distance.

Following a slip lay-up from Cain, Alasia Smith and Raven Sims found luck at the rim in the final two minutes of the half to face a 31-27 deficit heading into the break.

UAB extended its lead out to as much as 10 in the third quarter – giving Memphis a difficult task heading into the final 10 minutes of the game.

The Tiger offense exploded in the fourth quarter, cutting the Blazer lead to 51-49 after Smith got a fastbreak lay-up with 7:07 left in the game. After back-and-forth scoring, Griggs tied the game at 59-59 with just over two minutes remaining on the clock. But a three-pointer from UAB's Maddie Walsh and free throws in the final seconds of the game gave the Blazers the 65-63 win.

Madison Griggs led all scorer's tonight with 22 points while Alasia Smith gave one of her best performances of the season with 17 points and 20 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the year. Ki'Ari Cain also reached double-figure scoring with 13 points while Aliyah Green grabbed 10 rebounds – six of which came on the offensive end.

Memphis will be back in the Bluff City on Saturday, Jan. 6 to host the Pirates of East Carolina. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. with coverage available on ESPN+.

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.