Memphis Women's Basketball looked to end things on a positive note when Tulsa came to town for the Tigers' final home game of the season, which was also Senior Day. Hannah Riddick, DeeDee Hagemann, Layken Cox and Quinzia Fulmore were all recognized before the game. Even with the Senior Day festivities, the Tigers dropped their final home game 81-79.
When the game started, the Golden Hurricane employed a very aggressive full-court press which forced eight of Memphis' 20 turnovers in just the first quarter.
All of these turnovers by the home team allowed the visitors to go on a 9-0 run which Memphis responded to in kind to give them a 16-15 lead after the first period.
The second quarter was defined by the Tigers' poor defensive showing, allowing 30 points on 11-19 shooting from Tulsa.
To keep the Tigers alive, Tilly Boler and Tamya Smith combined for 27 of Memphis' 37 first half points and were two of only three players to score in the second quarter at all for the home team as Tulsa walked into halftime with an eight point lead.
During halftime, Memphis legend Tamika Whitmore had her number 44 jersey retired, becoming only the sixth player in the program's history to have her number hanging in Elma Roane Fieldhouse. The former All-American and WNBA All-Star said that it was "the most spectacular day of her life."
After the ceremony, the Tigers came out of the locker room with a vengance. Led by Tanyuel Welch, who scored 14 points on 6-6 shooting in just the third quarter. Despite this, Memphis allowed Tulsa to rack up another 23 points and the Tigers ended the period down six.
The Golden Hurricane's early success proved to be a bit too much in the end for Memphis to overcome late. The Tigers did come very close, however, to pulling out a last-second win when Tilly Boler got a three up at the buzzer but it was not to be.
Memphis will be back in action for their final regular season game against FAU in Boca Raton on March 4.
