A trio of Lady Tigers hit double digits in points as The University of Memphis women's basketball team survived a tight 57-52 victory over Lipscomb University on Monday night at Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
"It was a close one, we anticipated that style of play from Lipscomb just from reviewing film from last year," Lady Tigers Head Coach Blair Savage said.
With a tied score at 48 and just over two minutes left, senior Victoria Crawford nailed a three-pointer to give the Lady Tigers (2-0) a lead it would never relinquish. Crawford's three was the first of the game for Memphis and broke an 0-for-6 stretch.
Crawford finished with 15 points and three rebounds.
Jennifer Sullivan led the team with 19 points and five rebounds. In the second half, the Lady Tigers used an eight-point run, to take a 45-33 at the 11-minute mark. Sullivan led the team, scoring six of the points and finishing with 13 points in the half. But Lipscomb fought right back, outscoring Memphis 15-3 down the stretch to tie the game with 2:21 left to go, setting up Crawford's heroics.
Senior Courtney Bounton led the Lady Bisons (0-1) with 13 points and five rebounds. Senior Raven Rodgers led the Lady Tigers in rebounds with seven, but Memphis was out-rebounded 41-28 in the game.
"What we need to get better at is being consistent," Savage said. "We rebounded extremely well against Mercer and tonight we got out-rebounded. Just the consistency on the things we talk about in the locker room.
"The thing I do like is that we're winning close ball games. I think that brings confidence from the person that's in to the last person that's on the bench. We understand the game and we understand that we can win the close games."
The two teams combined for 50 turnovers in the game with Lipscomb committing 31.
Memphis will next host the 20th annual Kroger Lady Tiger Classic beginning Friday when the team plays Centenary at 6 p.m. South Alabama and UL-Monroe are also participating in the tournament with the championship game being held on Saturday at 5 p.m. after the 3 p.m. consolation game. Memphis has won 12 straight Kroger Lady Tiger Classic Titles.
The tournament will offer fans 2-for-1 admission for anyone bringing two cans of food that will be distributed throughout the Memphis area. All University of Memphis Faculty and Staff will also receive free admission with their university-issued IDs.
