The Tigers earned a tough victory on senior night as they defeated UCF 50-48. The game was packed out in Elma Roane Fieldhouse with high attendance.
The player of the game was Emani Jefferson. Jefferson had a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The first quarter was a nip-and-tuck type of game from the jump. It was a defensive game on both sides from the Knights and Tigers.
Memphis started the game off slow scoring 7 points in the first quarter and shooting 13 percent from the field. On the other hand, UCF scored 15 points and shot 75 percent from 3-point range.
In the second quarter, the Tigers had their best quarter scoring-wise, as they scored 17 points in the quarter.
Tigers guard Emani Jefferson scored the bucket of the game with an and-one layup while trailing 19-17 in the second quarter. That score gave the Tigers momentum in the 2nd quarter to outscore the Knights 17-4 points in that quarter.
Going into the second half, it continued to be a defensive game from both sides in each quarter.
The Tigers went the entire game without making a three. Meanwhile, UCF shot 50 percent from three in the half.
Both teams played great perimeter defense as it was really a tough game for both sides with 12 lead changes throughout the game.
Finally, when looking at overtime it continues to be a defensive game with the Knights scoring 5 points and the Tigers scoring 7 points.
The Tigers would hold on in a game that left room for improvement.
The Tigers now look ahead to Houston on the road. The game will take place on Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN+.
