University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
3-11,1-2AAC
UAB
10-6,1-3AAC
Second and Third Quarter Costly as Tigers Fall at UAB
Jan 08, 2025 | Women's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Memphis women's basketball could not make their lead after one quarter stand up, falling to UAB, 73-56, inside Bartow Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Tigers (3-11, 1-2 AAC) won the opening period, 22-19, but lost the middle two quarters by a total score of 40-19 in their first road conference game of the season. Alasia Smith posted her third consecutive double-double behind 13 points and 17 rebounds, and Tilly Boler had 13 points and four boards.
Memphis opened three for three from deep behind makes from Boler, Smith and Tanyuel Welch, but UAB went on an early 9-0 run to take a 15-9 advantage. After giving up 19 points in the opening seven minutes, the Tiger defense anchored down to keep UAB from scoring in the final three minutes of the period, going on a 9-0 run of their own to lead, 22-19, after one.
It was Memphis' turn to have offensive struggles, as the Blazers didn't allow a second-quarter point until five minutes into the stanza on their way to a 13-0 run before Latazia Williamson hit a jumper to make the score 32-24. Welch's second three cut the lead to five before an 8-0 run by UAB gave them an 11-point lead.
The Tigers scored first out of the halftime interval through Smith, but the Blazers would continue their series of runs with a 8-0 burst to go up, 47-34, before another Smith lay-up. The fifth year scored eight of her 13 points in the quarter as Memphis tried to hang around, but the hosts shot 60% from the field and 50% from three to extend their lead to 59-41 heading into the final period.
Memphis opened the quarter with a 9-2 run but could not cut the lead below 12. UAB scored five points in the final minute to take the 73-56 victory.
Maddie Walsh and Journey Armstead led the way with 20 points each for the Blazers. UAB forced 22 Memphis turnovers and scored 22 fastbreak points and 42 points in the paint.
Memphis is slated to go to Houston to take on Rice on Sunday afternoon 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.
