Memphis faced a tough battle against South Florida, losing 96-89 in a close game at FedExForum. This match marked a setback for Memphis, slipping to their seventh consecutive defeat while South Florida clinched the American Conference title.
Memphis was competitive throughout the game. They shot 47% from the field and had impressive ball movement, with 19 assists. Dug McDaniel stood out, scoring 25 points and providing solid support with seven assists and five rebounds. Zach Davis also contributed significantly with 17 points and eight rebounds. Despite these efforts, Memphis struggled to regain control after South Florida went on a 10-0 run in the second half, extending their lead to 74-60.
Memphis did fight back, cutting the deficit to four points late in the game. However, South Florida sealed their victory with crucial free throws. The game began on a high note, with Memphis honoring their six senior players before tipoff, setting an energetic atmosphere. The Tigers trailed by just five at halftime, but were unable to close the gap due to that pivotal run by the Bulls.
Statistically, Memphis finished with 47.1% shooting overall and managed to commit only nine turnovers. However, South Florida’s shooting was slightly better at 48.5%. The Bulls also edged out Memphis in rebounding, collecting 40 boards to the Tigers’ 36.
As of now, Memphis holds a record of 12-18 overall and 7-10 in conference play. They are still in the hunt for the final spot in the American Conference Tournament scheduled to start on March 11 in Birmingham, Alabama. A win in their upcoming game against Tulane will solidify their place in the tournament.
On a lighter note, fans on social media expressed mixed feelings after this latest loss, voicing both disappointment and hope for the upcoming game. Some highlighted McDaniel’s performance as a bright spot, while others pointed out the need for consistency.
Key Statistics and Highlights:
- Memphis had 19 assists in the match.
- South Florida shot 48.5% from the floor.
- This was the Tigers’ 17th different starting lineup of the season.
- The bench contributed 31 points for Memphis.
The Tigers aim to bounce back on Sunday as they head to Tulane for their final regular-season game. It’s crucial for them to secure this win to keep their tournament hopes alive.
For more on Memphis Tiger Men’s Basketball, you can follow their updates on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
