University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
7-19,5-10AAC
South Florida
20-8,13-2AAC
Tigers Fall at South Florida, 80-70
Feb 22, 2025 | Women's Basketball
TAMPA, Fla. – Memphis women's basketball used a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter to cut a 17-point lead to six but ultimately fell at South Florida, 80-70, on Saturday night inside Yuengling Center.
The Tigers (7-19, 5-10 AAC) were offensively efficient across the court, shooting 46% from the field, 38% from three and 83% at the foul line, but were upended by a career night from South Florida's Sammie Puisis, who had 34 points on 6-of-13 shooting. Tilly Boler led the Tigers with 18 points, and Tanyuel Welch added 17 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
The two sides went back-and-forth early in the first quarter, with Tamya Smith scoring in transition to tie the game at 10 before Puisis' first scoring spurt. She scored eight consecutive points for the Bulls and finished the quarter with 11, nine of which were in response to Memphis buckets.
After trailing by six after one, the Tigers rallied to take their first lead after Boler hit her second three, marking the 19th game she has hit multiple threes this season. The Bulls (20-8, 13-2 AAC) would respond with an 8-0 run before Elauna Eaton took back some momentum with a jumper. The hosts went on a 13-2 run as the half winded down, but Welch beat the buzzer with a transition jumper to head to the break with the score at 40-33.
South Florida's momentum continued into the third with a 13-7 run to open up a double-digit lead. Consecutive buckets from Alasia Smith and Boler sparked a short run, but the Bulls continued to score, winning the quarter 23-14 to enter the final frame up 16.
Welch hit two threes early in the fourth quarter, and Eaton connected on her third trey of the game to make the score 67-60 during the Tigers' fourth-quarter surge. Welch and Alasia Smith executed a pick and roll to cut the lead to six with 2:50 to play, but Puisis' sixth and final three pointer on the ensuing possession proved to be the dagger.
The Florida State transfer did most of the heavy lifting for the Bulls, but they also got 18 points and 11 rebounds from Carla Brito to help them to their ninth consecutive win.
The Tigers will have a quick turnaround, returning home to host Temple on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7:00 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.
