University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
South Carolina
Tigers Fall to No. 1 Gamecocks in Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic
Oct 16, 2024 | Women's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In what was an uplifting night for the university, the city of Memphis and the entire St. Jude community, the Memphis women's basketball team concluded the Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic with an exhibition match against defending national champions South Carolina, dropping the contest, 106-63, on Tuesday night at FedEx Forum.
"Playing for a purpose was probably a little bit bigger than winning a basketball game today," said head coach Alex Simmons. "It was a much different feeling than I would've had last year at this time... I just think we competed. We played smart basketball at times...we had momentum, and then one undisciplined play kind of snowballed things. And those kinds of plays can't happen."
In front of a great crowd whose proceeds went directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Alasia Smith scored the game's first bucket on the Tigers' first possession, but South Carolina – who was voted No. 1 in the AP poll on Tuesday afternoon – responded with an 18-3 run to grab control of the game.
After losing the first quarter 25-11, Memphis responded well, getting back into the game with an 11-4 run sparked by consecutive Tilly Boler 3-pointers. In total, the second quarter score was 25-21 in favor of the Gamecocks.
The national champions took back control of the game in the second half, opening with a 16-7 run thanks to seven quick points from forward Chloe Kitts. Kitts led the team in rebounding (13) with Joyce Edwards pouring in 19 points off the bench.
For the Tigers, Boler led the way with 16 points. Quinzia Fulmore had eight points and six boards, and Hannah Riddick added 13 points, five rebounds and a block.
In her first game back from a season-long knee injury suffered in 2023, Tanyuel Welch found her stride to the tune of 12 points, four assists, three rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Tigers will begin their regular season on Monday, Nov. 4, hosting Mississippi Valley State at 11 a.m. at Elma Roane Fieldhouse. The game will be broadcast 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.
