University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
4-13,2-4AAC
Tulane
11-7,4-3AAC
Tigers Pick Up Road Victory at Tulane, 68-65
Jan 18, 2025 | Women's Basketball
NEW ORLEANS – Memphis women's basketball led for 37 minutes on Saturday afternoon inside Devlin Fieldhouse, picking up a win over Tulane, 68-65.
The Tigers (4-13, 2-4 AAC) made 10 first-half threes on their way to a 14-point lead at the break and were able to thwart Tulane's (11-7, 4-3 AAC) defense-driven comeback in the final period. DeeDee Hagemann had 15 first-quarter points on her way to a season-high 20 points as well as seven assists. Elauna Eaton and Tilly Boler each added 14 points.
The win snaps an eight-game road losing streak, the first since beating Tulane last season. It's Memphis fourth consecutive victory over the Green Wave, the first occurrence since winning four from 1990 to 1992.
"We were efficient [in the first half], and our players were feeling it; I think that's a great thing about playing in this system," said head coach Alex Simmons. "We don't handcuff our players; you take the shots you work on. I think our players had great shot selection on that run."
Behind four early threes from Hagemann, the Tigers jumped out to a 25-9 lead to force a Tulane timeout late in the first quarter. The Green Wave ended the quarter on a 7-0 run to cut it to 25-16, but the Tigers continued their offensive onslaught behind an 11-point second quarter from Elauna Eaton. Tulane cut the score to 34-24, but a Boler midrange followed by Eaton's third of four threes pushed the lead right back up to 16.
The host team would not go down easily, opening the third quarter with a 9-0 run and forcing the Tigers to respond. Boler hit a midrange jumper, Alasia Smith split a pair of free throws, and Raven Sims made a pivotal steal and layup to push the lead back up from five to 10. Layups from Boler and Latazia Williamson with two minutes left in the quarter were the final points for either team as the Tigers led by 16 heading into the final period.
Tulane again opened on a run, scoring three straight buckets to tighten the game as Memphis could not get a shot to fall. The Tigers played commendable defense but only converted one field goal in the quarter as the Green Wave continued to chip away. With the visitors up 68-65, Victoria Keenan – who had just hit a clutch three two possessions prior – had a good look at a game-tying trey but came up short. After the Tigers couldn't score, Tulane got one last chance to tie the game but Smith intercepted the inbound to seal the victory.
Memphis made four more threes than the Green Wave, limiting the hosts to 6-for-22 shooting behind the arc. Tulane was led by Keenan's 17 points and eight rebounds, as well as 14 points and 10 rebounds from Sheresa Pittman.
The Tigers will enjoy a mid-week break before heading to Tulsa to take on the Golden Hurricane on Saturday, January 25, at 2:00 p.m.
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.
