HOUSTON — Memphis snagged its first road win of the season on Saturday, overcoming a rough start to beat Rice 75-70 at Tudor Fieldhouse. With this victory, the Tigers improved to 7-7 overall and 2-0 in the American Conference, marking their third consecutive win. Rice, on the other hand, fell to 6-9 and remains winless in conference play.
Key Performers
Dug McDaniel stole the spotlight for Memphis, scoring 18 points and contributing six rebounds, four assists, and four steals. He showed resilience by scoring 11 points in the second half as the Tigers erased a seven-point deficit. Sincere Parker also made a solid impact, finishing with 15 points and five rebounds. Aaron Bradshaw was flawless from the floor, going 5-for-5 for 12 points before fouling out.
Game Overview
The first half was shaky for Memphis, plagued by fouls and turnovers. Rice took full advantage, building a 13-point lead at one point. However, Memphis regained composure and closed the half strong, trailing just 32-31.
The Tigers carried their momentum into the second half with a 9-0 run, putting them ahead 40-38. McDaniel and Hasan Abdul Hakim were instrumental in this turnaround, scoring 14 of the team’s first 18 points after the break.
Despite Memphis leading by eight late in the game, Rice fought back, cutting the deficit to just two points in the final minutes. But Memphis held strong, sealing the win with clutch free throws—hitting 26 of 30 attempts, a remarkable turnaround from their earlier struggles at the line.
For Rice, Nick Anderson led with 17 points. The Owls also had solid contributions from Trae Broadnax and Cam Carroll.
Team Highlights
- Memphis shot 46.9% from the field and had a staggering turnaround at the free-throw line, a season-high performance.
- The Tigers recorded more than 30 bench points for the ninth time this season, showcasing their depth.
- On defense, Memphis limited Rice to 36.5% shooting and capitalized on turnovers to score 17 points.
Upcoming Challenges
Next, Memphis will take a brief pause before heading to Boca Raton to face Florida Atlantic on January 11.
Expert Insight
“Strong bench production is crucial in such tight games,” comments sports analyst Sarah Mitchell. “Teams that can rely on substitutes to keep performance steady often have an edge, as seen with Memphis in this game.”
In Conclusion
Memphis showcased resilience and teamwork against Rice, demonstrating their potential for growth in the season. As they prepare for their next matchup, they’ll aim to build on this momentum and improve their conference standing.
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