University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
10-21,4-14American
Wichita State
8-23,5-13American
Memphis Frontcourt Dominates in Senior Day Victory
Mar 07, 2026 | Women's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis women's basketball concluded the 2025-26 with a 65-61 win over Wichita State on Saturday afternoon at Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
The Tigers moved to 10-21 and 4-14 in conference play to wrap the season, leveling the season series with the Shockers after leading for nearly 35 minutes. The frontcourt duo of Tamya Smith (21 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks) and Amauri Williams (17 points, six rebounds, one block, one steal) led the way for Memphis, outscoring Wichita State's frontcourt starters 38 to 5.
Both offenses started off hot in the regular season finale, shooting over 50% in the opening quarter. After Smith and Williams helped the Tigers to a 12-6 advantage, Wichita State (8-23, 5-13 American) scored nine unanswered to take a brief lead. Memphis would respond with an 8-0 run of their own and led, 20-17, after one period.
The momentum swung aggressively for both sides all game; the Tigers went on a 9-0 run before the Shockers responded with five of their own. Leading 35-29 at the half, the hosts used a 7-3 start to push the lead to double digits, but WSU went on an 11-1 run across four minutes to take the lead as Memphis missed seven consecutive field goals.
Perhaps the most crucial stretch of the game came after the Shockers took the lead in the final two minutes of the third quarter. On the next possession, Brooklyn Alexander connected on a triple to re-take the lead, and after a Daejah Richmond steal and a techincal foul on the Shockers, the Tigers closed the frame on a 7-0 run and led again by six.
The visitors would get close, cutting it to three twice in the final three minutes, but a tough turnaround jumper from Smith and four perfect free throws from Jordan Hunter was enough for Memphis to end the year on a high note. They forced 24 Shocker turnovers, the fourth-most of their season, fueled by five steals from Richmond who was a +12 in her 34 minutes despite an uncharacteristic 2-of-12 shooting.
With the American Conference regular season wrapped up, the Tigers officially led the conference in steals and blocks. It's the second time in Alex Simmons' three years that they led the conference in steals; Richmond was the individual leader with 2.9 per game. Conference awards will be announced on Monday, March 9.
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.
