Josh Pastner and Tiger basketball were eager for redemption as they took on the No. 24 SMU Mustangs Thursday night.
After falling short in their previous match up this season on Jan. 30, and losing their most recent game against USF Saturday, the Tigers were ready for a win.
Unfortunately, the 22-4 Mustang team managed to pull off a 69-62 victory they solidified only in the last minute of the game.
“It’s just tough to go through what we go through and the ball just doesn’t bounce our way,” said Memphis Tigers’ junior shooting guard Avery Woodson.
For what many predicted to be a “guaranteed blowout” win for SMU, the Tigers were able to put forth a strong and solid performance, keeping up with a powerful Mustang team.
Both teams started the game off slow, looking disconnected and struggling to capitalize on their opportunities.
Ricky Tarrant Jr. scored 12 points for the Tigers in the first half to keep them in the game. But Memphis committed nine turnovers, and only made 9 of 29 shots from the field in the first half; the Tiger offense was unable to create much against a solid SMU defense.
The Mustang offense was also unable to find success early on. Although their offense was working the ball through the Memphis defense, they only made 14 of 32 shots in the first half.
With seven lead changes in the first half, the Tigers were able to keep it close, trailing by just one, 31-30, at the end of the half.
As the second half started, the Tigers came out looking motivated and ready to play. They were able to create more opportunities offensively and were doing their best defensively to try and hold off an agile SMU offense.
Dedric Lawson was able to make some key baskets for the Tigers, keeping them in the game.
In the last minute, the game could have gone either way.
With less than 60 seconds left on the clock and SMU leading 63-62, Memphis was in possession of the ball.
However, Jeremiah Martin turned the ball over after he shot an air ball, allowing the Mustangs to go down the court and take a three-point lead.
In Memphis’ last-ditch attempt, desperately needing a three-point basket to tie the game, Lawson gave the ball up, allowing SMU to regain possession once again.
Even though the Tigers did not suffer the blowout loss that many expected, Woodson still showed his frustration after the game.
“I don’t do moral victories,” he said in regards to only losing by five points to the second place team in the conference.
The Tigers are now 15-13 going into their next game and Pastner believes his team is on the right track to finding success.
“If we play like we played today, and the right Memphis team shows up, then we can win the three remaining games,” Pastner said.
The Tigers will be looking to redeem themselves this as they face off against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 3 p.m. Sunday at FedExForum on senior night.
University of Memphis coach Josh Pastner's team fell to an AP top 25 opponent for the 10th consecutive time. Memphis has now lost eight of its last 11 games.
