Huskies maul Tigers in mid-week matinee

Memphis (7-13, 2-5 AAC) fell to No.1 UConn (19-0, 8-0 AAC) on Wednesday at Elma Roane fieldhouse by a score of 93-36. The Tigers led 10-6 in the first quarter, but nine turnovers by Memphis helped the Huskies go on a 20-0 run and take a comfortable lead.

The Tigers shot at just 30 percent, while the Huskies shot at 51 percent. The Tigers struggled from beyond the arc, shooting at 29 percent, while the Huskies shot at 43 percent. The Huskies only allowed the Tigers one opportunity to shoot from the free throw line, where Cheyenne Creighton got one point. The Tigers allowed the Huskies 13 points from the free throw line.

Turnovers are an issue

Turnovers continue to be an issue for the Tigers. The Tigers are averaging 12.5 turnovers in conference play. In the loss against UConn, Memphis had 25 turnovers, allowing the Huskies 31 points. Each Tiger had two or more turnovers.

“Our turnovers early in the game are really what allowed them to get sprint layups,†Memphis head coach Melissa McFerrin said afterwards.

 

Rebounding is another  issue

Rebounding was an issue for the Tigers. The Huskies out-rebounded the Tigers 47-24. Memphis only had two offensive rebounds, while the Huskies had 33 defensive rebounds. Memphis only had two second chance points, while the Huskies had 21.

 

Memphis lacks depth

Currently, the Tigers have six healthy players. They started Cheyenne Creighton, Brianna Porter, Jada Stinson, Brea Elmore and Taylor Barnes against UConn. They had Alana Davis come off the bench. Because of the lack of healthy players, each starter played 32 minutes or more. Elmore played a 40-minute game.

“They are down to only six players,†UConn head coach Geno Auriemma said. “That can’t be easy. And when you get tired, you’re not going to be able to be effective on offense.â€

The Huskies were able to play 12 players, and no player played more than 25 minutes. Five of their players scored in double figures. UConn had 36 points from their bench.

“We should handle adversity better than we did at times today,†McFerrin said. “I’m not going to say we don’t have any. We’ve got six healthy players. We were against the number one team in the country, so there’s some adversity already built in. What I would like our team to do is grow from it, understand that adversity is a part of life and handle it better at times when the situation calls for it.â€

 

Brea Elmore is a big asset for the Tigers

Elmore is consistently playing heavy minutes.According to a press release, if Elmore scored 84 more points, she will be the 25th Tiger to score 1,000 points.

She led the Tigers in scoring with 13 points against UConn. She led the team with six rebounds and had two assists and one steal.

“The thing I have liked about Brea lately is she continues to be aggressive with the basketball, and that is what we need from her,†McFerrin said.

 

A look ahead

The Tigers will face Wichita State at home Saturday. The Tigers lost to the Shockers earlier this month 69-61. The Tigers will be playing with six players, two less than the last matchup against the Shockers. The Shockers played 10 players in the teams’ last matchup.

Memphis struggled to control the ball. The Shockers scored 18 points off of Memphis’ 15 turnovers.  Wichita State out-rebounded the Tigers 39-25. Memphis also struggled with fouls, allowing the Shockers 19 points from the line.

The game is at 1 p.m. The game will be the annual Teddy Bear Toss game. Those who bring a new teddy bear will receive free admission.