The Memphis Tigers rallied in the second half to defeat the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 80-68 and secure their fifth consecutive win.
The Tigers now have their second five-game winning streak of the season and they improve to 7-2 in the conference and 17-5 on the season.
Kendric Davis led the way with 26 points and 5 assists. DeAndre Williams had a dominant night of his own recording a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Although the opponent was inferior, this game was no easy feat for the Tigers.
The first half was a dogfight between the two teams, and Memphis was never able to pull away due to self-inflicted wounds.
The Tigers had 8 first-half turnovers and they lacked the defensive intensity that they are known for.
They were kept afloat by Keonte Kennedy who scored 10 first-half points. Kennedy is starting to emerge as that third scoring option that Tiger fans have been looking for.
After entering the half with only a two-point lead, the Tigers were able to up their intensity in the second half.
After a slow start, Kendric Davis scored 19 second-half points. Davis also hit a milestone and surpassed 2,000 career points.
Elijah McCadden also contributed 11 points giving the Tigers four players in double digits.
The Tigers will look forward to Saturday versus Tulane where they will look to get some much-needed revenge.
Tulane defeated the Tigers 96-89 earlier this season in New Orleans.
The Tigers will host Tulane at the FedExForum on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT on ESPNU.
Memphis will also retire campus legend and former Memphis Grizzlies player Lorenzen Wright’s jersey.
