“The tougher team won. We weren’t tough enough on a day when we should have been.” Coach Hardaway
by Don Mooney 2-4-2023
MEMPHIS, Tenn. –An emotional day. Retiring the jersey of Lorenz Wright. Amid the backdrop of a beautiful day after much of the week was under below freezing ice. The duo of sophomore guard Jalen Cook and junior forward Kevin Cross combined for 47 points to end Memphis Tigers 5-game winning streak 90-89. The fourth time ever Tulane has won at Memphis and is the first ever season sweep over the Tigers. With the win, Tulane boasts the most wins in a season under coach Ron Hunter at 15-7.
The tale of the tape pointed to free throws and turnovers. Tulane shot a cool 52.0 percent from the field and a season low 54.0 percent from the free throw line in the victory. Memphis controlled the first half sinking 11-of 13 free throws in the first half and 1 of 6 in the second. Memphis led by as many as 10 in the first half and Tulane cut the lead to three going into the half 46-43. Memphis committed a season high of 22 turnovers that led to 30 Tulane points.
Cook led the way with 25 points on the day. Cross totaled 22 with three rebounds and five assists. Jaylen Forbes tabbed 18, seven rebounds and three assists, while Sion James got six boards and a career high seven steals. Forbes would open the half with a deep three to knot things up. Memphis would begin to pull away again, only for Tulane to tie it back up at 63 with 10:15 left to play. Tight play would continue through the half and lead to overtime.
OVERTIME
Memphis got out to a quick three-point lead in overtime but missed free throw leaving room for Tulane to close the gap. Cook would foul out and be replaced by R. J. McGee who would score immediately and cut the Memphis lead to one. Battling until the end, Tylan Pope would get the last say with a layup that sealed the game 90-89.
