University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
8-12,2-5American
UTSA
9-9,4-3American
Defense, Rebounding Push Tigers Past UTSA, 52-40
Jan 23, 2026 | Women's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis women's basketball led for all but four seconds on Friday evening at Elma Roane Fieldhouse, defeating UTSA, 52-40.
The Tigers (8-12, 2-5 American) returned home after two weeks and abruptly snapped their three-game losing spell, doing so behind their best defensive output since January 23, 2019. UTSA's 40 points is their second lowest this season and the least any team has scored in American Conference play this year.
Senior forward Amauri Willliams was a force inside, posting 10 points and a season-high nine rebounds. Memphis dominated the glass, 44-30, moving to 6-0 when winning the rebounding battle. Both Daejah Richmond and Tamya Smith tied their career-high rebounding figures with 11 and 10, respectively.
The defensive intensity was apparent from the jump, as UTSA (9-9, 4-3 American) mustered just five points on 2-of-11 shooting and suffered a four-minute drought in the first quarter that allowed the hosts to grab early control. A quick 6-0 run in the second half pushed their lead up to 20-7 before the Roadrunners connected on their first of two threes in the contest.
Memphis underwent a scoring drought of their own in the third quarter, scoring just eight points in the frame, but their three-point shooting turned in a big way down the stretch. Chaé Harris beat the third quarter buzzer to push the lead to 37-26, and when UTSA got the lead into single digits, Jordan Hunter connected on back-to-back three-pointers to seal the Tigers' second conference victory.
For the second consecutive game, Memphis logged 14 assists, a top-four figure this season. Ereauna Hardaway was the only Roadrunner to reach double figures, scoring 15 but taking 13 shots in the process.
The Tigers will be back home on Tuesday, January 27, to take on Tulane at 7 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.
