Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis Tigers put on a fantastic show, defeating UTSA 95-69. Sincere Parker led the way with a season-high 22 points, showcasing a remarkable performance at FedExForum.
With this win, Memphis improved to 9-8 overall and 4-1 in the American Conference. They dominated the game, leading from start to finish and building a lead of 29 points in the second half.
Dug McDaniel contributed significantly, scoring 18 points, along with six rebounds and six assists. Curtis Givens III added 14 points, while Hasan Abdul Hakim chipped in 11 points. Four players ended the night in double figures. Memphis shot an impressive 56.3% from the field and 50% from three-point range, marking their best shooting night of the season.
The Tigers also excelled in teamwork, posting a season-high 23 assists, a significant improvement from their previous games. They committed just 12 fouls, which is their lowest count this season.
The game turned when UTSA closed the gap to 38-33, but Parker quickly scored five points to push the lead to 43-33 at halftime. The second half saw Memphis continue their momentum with an 8-0 run, setting the tone for the rest of the game. A late, decisive 12-0 run sealed UTSA’s fate, highlighted by McDaniel’s consecutive three-pointers.
UTSA struggled throughout, with Dorian Hayes leading their efforts with 17 points. With this loss, they slid to 4-14 overall and 0-6 in conference play.
The victory also kept Memphis undefeated against UTSA and improved Coach Penny Hardaway’s record against them to 3-0.
Insights on the Game
Shooting Efficiency: Memphis’s 56.3% shooting is noteworthy. This statistic reflects their strong offensive strategy and good ball movement. Experts often emphasize that effective shooting percentages are crucial for winning games, especially in competitive conferences.
Team Dynamics: Memphis showcased great teamwork with 23 assists, indicating that the players are cooperating well on the court. Research shows that teams with higher assist rates tend to have more success because they create better scoring opportunities.
Bench Contribution: The Tigers’ bench scored 44 points, highlighting depth in their roster. A strong bench is essential for sustaining performance over the long season, especially considering the physical demands of collegiate basketball.
Defense and Turnovers: Memphis also demonstrated solid defense, forcing UTSA into 17 turnovers. This level of defensive effort can change the tide of games, as it allows teams to capitalize on fast breaks and easy points.
As the Tigers prepare for upcoming games against Tulsa and Wichita State, their recent performance raises expectations for the rest of the season. With the blend of talented players and solid strategies, Memphis is building momentum as they push deeper into the conference schedule.
