Tigers defeat C-USA champs in overtime

The Tigers (9-8) kept the game close and were tied 28-28 at halftime.

In the first half, the Tigers and Billikens traded baskets one after the other as if both were fighting for their lives and their records.

Earl Barron scored eight points in overtime.

Memphis hit six of its eight free throws in the final 46 seconds of the game as the Tigers outscored the Billikens 18-9 in overtime.

Junior forward Kelly Wise and senior forward Shannon Forman were leading scorers for the Tigers with 17 points each.

Although Wise fouled out with 1:23 left to go in regulation, he grabbed 12 rebounds.

Senior guard Shyrone Chatman scored 15 points and freshman guard Scooter McFagdon finished with 12.

Barron finished with 10 points including the eight points he scored in overtime.

The Billikens led by as many as nine in the second half and had a seven point advantage, 54-47, with 4:20 left to go.

The Tigers just would not give up.

They played intense defense, dove for every ball, crashed the boards and took charges, keeping the Billikens scorless in the rest of regulation.

Memphis scored the final seven points, the last coming on a three-pointer from the left wing by McFagdon with 44 seconds left.

"I just wanted to make the shot," McFadgon said. "And when it went in I knew that we would win."

In overtime Memphis worked the ball inside to Barron who came in for Wise after he fouled out.

The Tigers went on a 10-1 run and Memphis held a lead of 66-57 with 1:51 left in overitme.

Billiken guard Maurice Jeffers led St. Louis with 20 points and Marque Perry added 10.

"Tonight was a night for us to step up and win," Barron said. "When coach called the play for me I knew this was my chance."

Coach Calipari seemed very pleased with the peformance of his players.

"This team is playing winning basketball," Calipari said. "I am

proud of what they have been able to do."

"Every game we've played has been a war, but things are falling into place."