Smith’s Career Day Propels Tigers to 88-75 Win Over Samford

Sunday, November 10

Memphis, Tenn.

2:00 PM

University of Memphis

2-1,0-0AAC

Samford

0-3,0-0SoCon

Samford

Memphis

Smith’s Career Day Propels Tigers to 88-75 Win Over Samford

Nov 10, 2024 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – An explosive Memphis offense that was led by Alasia Smith's career-high 28 points helped to give the Tigers (2-1) their second win of the season with an 88-75 victory over Samford (0-3) at Elma Roane Fieldhouse Sunday afternoon.

Along with Smith, four other Tigers reached double figures in scoring; Tanuyel Welch added in 16 points off the bench while Tilly Boler and Hannah Riddick both chipped in 14 points each. Elauna Eaton was the final Memphis player

A slow start plagued the Tiger offense as they faced a 14-4 deficit less than four minutes into the game. A free throw from Layken Cox and short jumper from Riddick ignited a 10-0 run for Memphis late in the opening quarter.

A pullup bucket from Welch just before the buzzer put the Tigers down 19-18 heading into the second frame.

While the Memphis defense held steady, the offense continued to shine as Eaton drained a long three-pointer to open the quarter to tie the game. The Tigers took their first lead of the day at 25-24 when Alasia Smith tipped in a rebound with 8:54 left in the half.

During their 9-0 run, Eaton laid it on again for her second long-range make in two minutes.

Samford continued to fight to stay within reaching distance of Memphis after Claire Johnson, Emily Bowman and Annie Ramil all found the bottom of the net before the end of the half to give the Tigers the 42-41 advantage heading into the break.

The Bulldogs regained their lead to start the third quarter before Boler completed an and-one to tie it up at 51 with 3:50 remaining in the frame. Four made free throws from Boler and Smith in the final 30 seconds of the quarter gave the Tigers the 63-57 lead going into the final 10 minutes of play.

Momentum continued into the fourth quarter with a an 11-0 run that included three-pointers from Boler and Raven Sims. Smith would give Memphis its largest lead of the day on a fast break lay in for the 80-64 lead with under four minutes to play.

The Tigers coasted from there as they collected the 88-75 victory.

Memphis will be back on the court on Wednesday, Nov. 13 when it travels to Muncie, Ind. to take on Ball State. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT.

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