Memphis took the court at Elma Roane Fieldhouse for the penultimate time this season looking to play spoiler in other AAC teams' postseason plans, despite a monumental second half effort, the Tigers would fall 91-79 to Temple.
Memphis didn't start the game particularly well, turning the ball over on both of their first two possessions after winning the tip off which would be the first of 20 giveaways the Tigers had. This is the seventh game Memphis has turned the ball over that many times or more.
Despite not commiting any turnovers in the second quarter, the defense of Memphis wore down after the period's media timeout and they allowed the Owls to hit almost all of their shots including three triples to give them a 16 point halftime lead.
Coming out of the locker room, Memphis started to figure out Temple's heavy press and trap package on defense. The Tigers only missed three field goals in the third quarter, scoring 33 points, including an ankle-breaking dime by Elauna Eaton to Tilly Boler to give Memphis a brief lead.
Memphis were led to this point by four players scoring in double digits: Boler, Eaton, Tamya Smith and Tanyuel Welch. The Tigers also greatly appreciated the contributions of Alasia Smith, who put up eight points, 12 boards, four blocks and two steals.
Even with all of this production in the third, Memphis just didn't have enough gas to cross the finish line. They turned the ball over eight times, shot 31.3% from the field and allowed Temple to score 28 points to beat the Tigers on their home floor.
Memphis will be back in action for their home finale on March 1 against Tulsa, featuring the jersey retirement of Tigers legend Tamika Whitmore.
