The University of Memphis Tigers (20-15) dropped a 64-72 loss to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in National Invitation Tournament semi-final action last night at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Tigers were thought to have the advantage because of the height of Kelly Wise, Earl Barron and Shamel Jones, but the Golden Hurricane's intense defense kept the post play limited.
The Golden Hurricane took a quick lead five minutes into the game. The contest remained close until the last few minutes of the first half, when Tulsa went on a 15-4 run the last six minutes and ended the half with a 41-29 lead.
Much of the reason for the Memphis deficit was because of turnovers.
The Tigers committed 11 turnovers compared to the Golden Hurricane's four.
"My only disappointment in the first half is that they seemed to want it more than us," Tiger Head Coach John Calipari said.
Tiger fans waited eagerly for a second-half comeback. Kelly Wise came in and scored a quick jumper 15 seconds into the second period.
It looked as if The U of M might close the deficit, but Tulsa quickly stomped out those hopes with a 9-0 run five minutes into the second half.
Memphis did turn the tables by shaking up Tulsa a bit. They forced seven turnovers that resulted in 21 points.
The lone U of M comeback attempt was led by Shannon Forman when he grabbed back-to-back steals, resulting in a 21-4 run for Memphis.
The Tigers were at one time down by 20, Foreman's intense play helped to close the gap to three. Forman scored 11 points during the run.
"Shannon stepped up big," said Jones. "That's our real hero right now."
Forman's heroics were not enough, however, to take the lead.
Rebounding played a large part in the U of M loss.
The Tigers, who usually dominate the boards, didn't outrebound the Tulsa team by much.
U of M recorded 45 boards for the game, while Tulsa pulled down 43.
"We struggled throughout the night," Moody said. "We didn't have the intensity that we usually have."
It has been said that free throw shooting wins games.
That is one factor that very well could have played a part in the Tiger loss.
The U of M went 4 for 14 at the line, only making 28.6% of their free throws.
Tulsa hit 76.9 percent of their charity shots, making 20 out of 26.
Tulsa's free throw shooting down the stretch is in part what saved them from a U of M upset.
Forman lead the Tigers with 16 points. Wise made the stat sheet with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Marcus Moody netted 13 points and dished out 4 assists.
The Golden Hurricane was lead by Kevin Johnson with 16 points.
Calipari said much of the reason for the Tiger's uncharacteristic play was because they were out of their element.
"I can't even remember the last time we were down by 20," Calipari said. "It was hard for them. They've never been in this situation before. You've got to give Tulsa credit. They were very, very aggressive."
The Tigers will take on Detroit Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. They will be vying for the NIT third place trophy.
