The No.14 Memphis Tigers (21-5,11-2) lost 84-79 to the Wichita State Shockers (15-10,5-7) in what was a very gritty, physical game that came down to the wire.
In what’s becoming somewhat trademark fashion, the Tigers got off to a slow start with the Shockers out-rebounding them and out-hustling them on the glass. Wichita State led at the half 32-28.
Memphis in the second half, however, shot 47% from the field and a whopping 58% from 3, a strong response to their first half numbers being 32% and 27% respectively. Memphis found their avenue in this half thanks to their free throws and their three-point shooting. Memphis took 2 free throws the entire first half and went to the line six times in the second after starting to play their brand of ball.
The game wasn’t pretty or flashy. It was a very competitive game throughout with the largest lead of the game being Memphis by 8 at 53-45. Aside from that it was mostly a one possession game for the length of the contest. There were 14 lead changes in the game and both teams garnered almost a quarter of their combined points from second chance points. Wichita State benefited from the rapid pace and shooting tempo with their rebounding, out-rebounding Memphis 54-45.
Their grit and grind style made it hard for the Tigers to maintain an offensive rhythm early which stunted the scoring of stars Dain Dainja and PJ Haggerty, who shot a combined 6-23, but Tyrese Hunter had a big game keeping Memphis competitive putting up 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 dimes. Nick Jourdain and Cisse Moussa both put in big performances with 20 rebounds and 7 blocks between them, including a highlight chase-down block from Jourdain on Corey Washington.
Ultimately, a timely three by Wichita’s Bijan Cortes allowed the Shockers to pull off the upset in overtime.
Takeaways from the Game:
Colby Rogers did not have a good game against his former team with 6 points, 3 assists, and a board. Rogers missed the potential game-winner at the end of regulation.
Haggerty may have scored 15 points, but he struggled offensively with most of his scoring coming from the foul line.
Moussa Cisse was dominant in the post as far as rebounding and defense, finishing with 5 blocks and a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
The Tigers also had more assists than the Shockers.
The Shockers struggled from three, but they hit a few timely ones. Free throw shooting, hustle plays, and defense paved the way to the win for Wichita State.
Quincy Ballard was a force against the Tigers. He finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds.
Corey Washington caused problems for Memphis as well. He had a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds.
The Memphis Tigers next game is at home next Sunday against the Florida Atlantic Owls as the season enters its home stretch.
