University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
8-14,2-7American
Rice
20-3,10-0American
Fourth Quarter Decisive in Tigers' Loss to Rice
Feb 07, 2026 | Women's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis women's basketball went toe-to-toe with the conference leaders at home on Saturday afternoon, trailing by four early in the fourth quarter before Rice pulled away to win, 82-65.
The Tigers (8-14, 2-7 American) led for a majority of the first half in a back-and-forth affair before the Owls (20-3, 10-0 American) grabbed control and won their 15th consecutive game. Memphis converted more field goals, and turnovers and rebounding were both dead even, but the deciding factor was Rice's 29 free throw attempts to the Tigers' 10.
Four Memphis players scored in double figures for the second consecutive game, led by 15 points, nine rebounds and six assists from Daejah Richmond. The Tigers posted a positive assist-to-turnover ratio (14:13) for just the third time this season, but only turned over the always-prudent Owls over 13 times.
Despite shooting 56% inside the arc in the first half, Memphis never led by more than four and went into the break down one, as they missed all of their deep balls and allowed four from Rice. After the Owls opened the second half with an 8-0 run, the hosts responded with a run of their own to cut it to a three-point game.
Rice underwent a five-minute scoring drought mid-way through the third quarter, but they were able to maintain the lead behind 16 free throws in the frame. Memphis was called for 11 fouls as Tamya Smith and Jordan Hunter battled foul trouble.
Though they couldn't find a rhythm, the Tiger offense was able to string together enough buckets to hang with the league leaders. Cori Allen cut through the top-ranked defense to beat the third quarter buzzer and make it 56-50 in favor of the Owls heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter is where the visitors pulled away, opening with an 8-0 run before extending it to a 24-8 run to lead by as much as 24. Dominique Ennis hit three of her six three-pointers in the frame, finishing with a game-high 22 points on just 11 shots.
It's a quick turnaround for Memphis, who will travel to Birmingham to take on UAB on Tuesday, February 10, at 6 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.
