MOBILE, Ala. - The Memphis women’s basketball team (2-1) traveled to face off against the South Alabama Jaguars (2-1) on Tuesday evening at the Mitchell Center in Mobile, Alabama. The Tigers were coming off a thrilling last second win against the Little Rock Trojans last Friday and were prepared to take care of business again as they fought hard for a 76-68 win.
The Tigers first points of the game came at 8:23 in the first quarter after a steal and free throw line jump shot from Tamya Smith to tie the game at 2-2.The Jaguars would not be held down for long, as they went on a quick 10-2 run behind a Ronaltha Marc jumper to take the lead to 12-7. Memphis continued to fight a back-and-forth battle and retook the lead 24-23 entering the second quarter, after a few quick scores from Smith. Scoring was harder to come by in the second quarter, as only 29 total points were scored in the second quarter compared to 47 in the first quarter. Part of that scoring drought came from the Tigers stifling defense that took that air out of the Jaguars offense and forced 16 first half turnovers. Both teams fought to score throughout the second quarter, and the first half ended tied at 38-38. Memphis’ Smith ended the half as the only player on either team in double figures, with 15 points.
The Tigers started of the third quarter hot, taking control of the game in the period with a 58-52 lead. Memphis continued to put the foot on the gas as the fourth quarter began, as they earned two and 1 opportunities after fantastic scores from Jordan Hunter and Cori Allen to take the lead to 63-55. Memphis’ leading scorer, Smith, picked up her fourth foul with 5:50 left in the game but stayed in the game. A few pairs of clutch free throws from Smith and Harris helped seal the 76-68 Memphis win.
It was Chae Harris (23 points 3 blocks) and Tamya Smith (24 points 6 rebounds) who put on a scoring clinic for the Tigers tonight to help propel them to this strong win. The women’s basketball team is now 2-1 on the season, and look to continue their 2-game win streak against the Ball State Cardinals (2-0) back in Memphis at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse at 12 p.m. The game will be available for streaming on ESPN+.
