The Memphis Tigers took on the Florida Atlantic Owls at the Fieldhouse today with the Tigers getting the win, 73-60.
In the first quarter, Tilly Boler started the scoring with a three to give the Tigers the first points of the game.
FAU would respond, scoring two quick layups and making two free throws to go on a 6-0 run.
To close the quarter, DeeDee Hagemann scored off a fastbreak and earned an and-one free throw. Memphis led 16-14 at the end of the first.
In the second quarter Liz Martino, a midseason transfer who had not scored this season, hit a three pointer to extend the lead 19-14. Memphis would hit two threes before Maria Mykleburst hit a three of her own for FAU.
FAU continued the comeback when Mya Perry sank a three to make it a one possession game.
The Tigers struggled to defend the paint in the first half as the Owls would continue to attack the basket—layup after layup to go on a 8-0 run. Memphis tied the game to go into halftime 29-29.
In the second half, FAU made the first three to take the lead. The score went go back and forth until DeeDee Hagemann hit a three pointer to give the Tigers the lead.
Memphis went on a small run, but FAU kept the game tight. The score was 48-46 going into the fourth quarter.
The Tigers took control, going on an 8-0 run to start the fourth.
FAU fouled intentionally to try to make a comeback, but the Tigers prevailed for a solid win at the Fieldhouse 73-60.
Coach Alex Simmons said she was proud how the team played today and how the Tigers got past FAU’s defense.
“It was a game where my concern was, they (FAU) were going to zone us a lot,” said Coach Simmons. “I think that was the biggest thing that we were able to play in transition. Once we got used to the zone and finding the gaps, we had some players knock down shots.”
Takeaways from the game:
The Tigers struggled in the first half rebounding and getting the hustle plays. However, Memphis did shoot 41 percent from three-point range.
Liz Martino scored 5-7 from three-point range. Coach Simmons said although she came in the middle of the season, she made a huge impact on the team with her scoring today.
“It was a situation where we need people on the team,” Coach Simmons said. “I wanted to bring somebody in here that I felt like can make an impact and not just be a practice player. I respect her because she prepares. She may not get many reps, but she is smart. Her number was called, she was ready to go, and she took some good shots.”
DeeDee Hagemann had a near double double with 13 points and 9 assists.
The Tigers for the game outrebounded FAU 45-41. The Tigers shot poorly from the field with 37 percent shooting. However, three-point shooting has improved, and their free throw shooting has improved with the team shooting 79% from the line.
The Owls had more points in the paint than the Memphis Tigers 34-18 as Memphis struggled to defend the rim.
The Memphis Tigers' next two games are on the road in Texas. First, the Tigers will take on North Texas on Wednesday. Then, the Tigers will face the UTSA Roadrunners next Saturday in San Antonio.
