To the average spectator at FedExForum Tuesday night, it was hard to imagine that there were two basketball hoops on the court during the first half of The University of Memphis Tigers 80-41 victory over Southern Mississippi.
The Tigers (23-2 overall, 9-0 Conference USA) held the Golden Eagles (8-17, 2-8) to just 10 points in the half, refusing to give them any open looks at shots while causing nine steals in the process.
"They (Southern Miss) missed some open shots along the way," said Tigers coach John Calipari. "We pressed them hard throughout and were able to take away most of their opportunities."
For the game, Memphis held Southern Miss to just 28 percent from the field. The Tigers even took time in the second half to practice the zone defense, a rarity for this team.
"We have a zone, we just don't use it that much," Calipari said. "I wanted to see how we could handle it with all our big guys out there because there may come a time when we will need it."
Offensively, the Tigers started off slowly. While the team was getting open looks at the basket, the shots weren't made, leaving several of the players upset.
"Early on we weren't hitting anything, and we were taking some poor shots," said senior Rodney Carney. "We came out sluggish and tired, and we can't keep doing that or it will catch up with us eventually."
After managing only ten points in the first eight minutes of the game, Memphis finally got into a rhythm and the shots began to fall. The Tigers went on a 15-2 run late in the first half, including the Tigers' first three pointer by Carney with five minutes left. A buzzer-beating jumper by freshman Kareem Cooper capped off the offensive outburst, helping to extend the Tigers' lead to 34-10 at the half.
Cooper was playing in just his second game since his return from suspension. He finished the game playing 20 minutes, with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
"I'm embarrassed about what happened, and I'm glad I've got this second chance," Cooper said. "I've been working out every day, and I guess it's just driving me to go out and prove that I deserve to be here."
The fans were supportive of Cooper throughout the game, and he was thankful for the forgiveness he has received.
"Hearing them cheer sort of felt like a little kid at Christmas getting ready to open his next gift," he said.
After building an insurmountable lead in the second half, the Tigers still played with the same level of intensity as they had the entire game. Even though it is easy to let up, this team knows if they ever slack off there are others waiting behind them to be substituted.
"It's not that difficult to keep playing hard," said freshman Robert Dozier. "Coach Cal won't hesitate to bench you if you let up, and he makes sure you know that."
The win improved Memphis' record to 23-2, tying the record of the 1985 and 1986 teams for best start in school history. It also tied the Tigers with George Washington for the longest win streak in the nation at 12.
The Tigers next test comes at Tulane this Saturday, and coach Calipari is expecting a tough contest.
"Tulane is one of the scariest games for me, they have a great defense and they will come at you hard," Calipari said. "Plus this is probably the biggest athletic event in the city since the hurricane, so you know their fans will be excited and loud."
