University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
2-1,0-0American
South Alabama
2-1,0-0Sun Belt
Defense Leads the Way in Tigers' 76-68 Win at South Alabama
Nov 11, 2025 | Women's Basketball
MOBILE, Ala. – Memphis women's basketball ended South Alabama's undefeated campaign on Tuesday night at the Mitchell Center, picking up their second consecutive victory on the road in a 76-68 contest.
The Tigers (2-1) forced 29 turnovers, the most since playing Alabama State on Nov. 9, 2023. Birmingham native Tamya Smith led the way with a career-high 24 points, six rebounds, two blocks and two steals; Chaé Harris hit a season-high four threes en route to 23 points.
The Jaguars move to 2-1 on the season; after averaging 89 points in their first two contests, they were held to 68 by a Tiger defense that is yet to allow 70 points this season. It was their most turnovers in a game since playing Ole Miss on Dec. 15, 2024.
Memphis brought the defensive intensity from the opening tip, forcing nine turnovers in the first quarter. South Alabama found good results when they were able to actually beat the Tiger press, shooting 7-of-11 from the field and a perfect 3-of-3 from deep. Still, the visitors took a 24-23 lead after 10 minutes thanks to 16 from Smith and Harris.
After 47 combined points in the opening frame, the second quarter saw just 29 as the hot shooting fizzled. South Alabama's Tamara Ortiz and Smith did the heavy lifting for their respective sides, scoring eight and six in the period, respectively. Smith played 17 of 20 minutes in the half, finishing with 15 at the break.
The Tigers mostly overcame their woes at the charity stripe, shooting 23-of-34 including 10-of-14 in the second half. They never led by more than 12 and did not make a field goal after the 6:38 mark in the fourth quarter, but their stifling defense kept their lead at two possessions or more for the entire frame.
Jordan Hunter led the team with a career-high four steals; Cori Allen and Daejah Richmond each added three as the Tigers collected a season-high 16 steals on top of 13 dead-ball turnovers. Cordasia Harris led the Jaguars in points (14) and rebounds (nine).
Memphis will begin a four-game homestand this Saturday, November 15, against Ball State. Tip time has moved up to noon due to the women's soccer team's NCAA Tournament game at 7 p.m. against Illinois.
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