The University of Memphis Women’s basketball team (2-1) went head-to-head vs University of Arkansas Little Rock Trojans (3-1) on November 18, 2021. A series that started back in 1978. These schools are located a little over two hours away from each other. This was the 17th matchup between the two teams.
The Tigers didn’t get off to a hot start in their first road game of the season. They had six turnovers in the first quarter and could not seem to hit a shot. After the first quarter the Tigers saw themselves down 13-7.
The second quarter was a different story. The Tigers were able to cut into the deficit with back-to-back scores from Jamirah Shutes. The score went back and forth in a low scoring, defensive game with the Tigers down 26-24 at the half.
The whole game the Tigers could not seem to stop Sali Kourouma’s barrage, who scored the first 10 of Little Rock’s first 20 points. Kourouma was constantly at the free throw stripe throughout the game.
Three-point shots were not a key factor in this game, with Little Rock only hitting one three pointer and Memphis making five the whole game. The game was dominated by mid range jumpers and the foul trouble each team fell into throughout the matchup.
Going into the fourth quarter, the Tigers led 44-41. Kourouma had 25 points through three quarters and was dominating all aspects of the game – unphased by and defense the Tigers threw her way.
The fourth quarter was just as interesting as the first quarter, featuring low shooting percentages and many turnovers. The Tigers went without a field goal in the last 5:48 of the game. Little Rock, with the help of Kourouma scoring 32 points, gave Memphis, and this new coaching staff, their first loss 55-50. Fifth-year Senior, Alana Davis, led the Tigers with 10 points, but it was no match for Kourouma and the Trojans. The Tigers shot 34% and Little Rock shot 38% from the field overall.
The Tigers had sixteen turnovers in the game, six of them being in the first quarter. It is early in the season, and the Tigers are now 2-1 with this new coaching staff. The Tigers next game is at 2 pm on Saturday November 20 vs Florida A&M University. This will be played at Elma Roane Fieldhouse and will also be streaming on ESPN+.
