The Memphis Tigers extended their winning streak to five games, defeating UAB 82-61 on senior day in their final home game of the season.
Memphis (13-15, 9-8) entered the contest after a 60-53 home victory against UTSA. The Tigers came into senior day with the longest winning streak in the conference.
The University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Blazers (18-11, 9-8) came to Memphis on a two game losing streak, as they played the top two teams in the conference, North Texas and Tulsa.
In the first meeting between the two teams, UAB defended their homecourt, narrowly beating the Tigers 65-63. Memphis dominated the glass, grabbing 27 offensive rebounds, but they were only able to turn those second chances into 16 points.
Before the game, Memphis honored six seniors: Madison Griggs, Ki'Ari Cain, Shelbee Brown, Alasia Smith, Destyne Jackson, and Kai Carter.
Memphis jumped out to a lead from the jump, as Madison Griggs hit a three-pointer nine seconds into the contest to start her senior day. Griggs stole the ball a possession later and hit a layup, forcing a quick UAB timeout.
The Tigers pushed their lead up to 16 points in the opening quarter, but a Blazer run in the final minute made the score 24-12 Memphis at the end of the first.
UAB found their stride on offense in the second quarter. The Blazers opened the quarter on a 13-4 run, cutting Memphis' lead to 28-25.
Memphis waivered, but they maintained their lead. The two teams traded buckets for a few minutes, before the Tigers closed the first half on a 10-0 run, capped by a Hannah Riddick jumper with 19 seconds to go in the half, to lead 44-31.
At halftime, the University of Memphis honored Memphis women's basketball alumni who were in attendance. Four of Memphis' retired numbers, Betty Booker-Parks, Linda Street, Regina Street, and Linda McKinnie, were honored at half-court.
UAB and Memphis both started the second half shooting the ball well, and the teams, once again, traded baskets. Like the second quarter, the Tigers ended the third on a run, this time a 15-2 spurt. At the end of the third, Memphis led 65-42.
The Tigers pushed the lead up to 27 points early in the fourth. UAB made the defecit more respectable, but Memphis won comfortably, 82-61.
Madison Griggs led the Tigers with 21 points in what will likely be her final game at Elma Roane Fieldhouse. In total, five of the six Tiger seniors finished in double-figures.
The win pushes Memphis to 9-8 in conference play, and, more importantly, into a four-way tie for fifth place in the conference standings. With one game to play, the Tigers sit just a half-game out of the four seed and a first round bye in the conference tournament.
The task won't be easy for Memphis, as they will travel to Denton, Texas to play the first place North Texas Mean Green. The game will be at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN+ on Tuesday, March 5.
