With off-court distractions and courtside jeers bearing down, the Memphis Tigers found refuge in an unlikely place.
The free throw line.
Simplice Njoya led the freebee parade and the Tigers made 20-22 down the stretch, posting a 73-67 win over host South Florida (8-7 overall, 1-3 in Conference USA).
Njoya scored all nine of his points from the charity stripe and hit the clinching free throw, which put Memphis (10-8, 3-1) on top 71-67 with nine seconds left.
All of the clutch shooting came amid a firestorm of taunts and heckling from South Florida's home crowd, including chants of "wife beater" late in the game.
"They were yelling all kinds of stuff," said forward Arthur Barclay, who finished with 10 rebounds.
Before the free throws, the Tigers' main source of offense was Duane Erwin. The 6-foot-9 forward hit 6 of 10 shots en route to a season-high 20 points.
"I felt they couldn't guard me," Erwin said. "Once I made a couple of shots my teammates felt confident (getting him the ball)."
Although Erwin had an impressive individual performance, coach John Calipari was impressed with his whole team, including their intensity.
"That was a team trying to win a ball game," Calipari said.
"I didn't get upset for anything that had to do with effort ... I've been angry (about that) half the season."
Jeremy Hunt returned to competition against USF and recorded two points in 23 minutes.
In spite of his pending court case, The University of Memphis athletic department issued a statement early Wednesday evening, saying Hunt "has been allowed to return to competition effective immediately."The statement continues: "The University has gathered additional information and, in consultation with faculty representatives, legal counsel, police services and athletic department officials, determined that (Hunt) will be allowed to return to competition."
On Thursday, U of M President Shirley Raines released a lengthy statement detailing the steps The University takes "in matters regarding any student charged with criminal activity."
Neither release specifies the exact reason for Hunt's reinstatement.Assistant AD Bob Winn said on Thursday The University would make no further comments.
"(Wednesday), The University of Memphis issued its official statement. This is a matter that is now in the criminal justice system and until this matter is brought to closure, there will be no further comments."
On Wednesday night, Calipari briefly addressed Hunt's reinstatement in his post-game press conference.
"The University called me (Wednesday) morning and told me what they decided, and I said, 'Fine,'" Calipari said.
When later asked if he agreed with The University's decision, Calipari said, "They made the decision, and I've got to live by it."
At yesterday's practice, Calipari didn't specifically address Hunt, but made some general comments regarding some of the off-court trouble."They (the players) don't understand that we're intertwined," Calipari said. "(Their decisions) affect the team, the school and the whole athletic program."
Hunt's participation against the Bulls followed a two-game suspension related to a charge of domestic violence assault against former Lady Tigers basketball player Tamika Rogers on Jan. 10.
Hunt's suspension from the team lasted six days before it was lifted on Wednesday.
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