by Don Mooney 2-12-2023
Memphis, TENN—Not a Super Sunday Temple University Owls as they hit the road for rare morning tip off against Memphis Tigers whom clawed their way to a 86-77 victory over the Owls.
The Tigers improved to 19-6 overall and 9-3 in American Athletic Conference play to move into second-place in the league standings. Led by 5th-year senior DeAndre Williams hauled in his eighth double-double of the year with 26 points and 12 rebounds, while also adding a team-high six assists. Kendric Davis recorded four dimes and a game-high four steals to go along with his 21 points.
Khalif Battle topped the Owls with 25 points, his fifth straight 20-point game, while Hysier Miller(15 pts), Zach Hicks (12) and Nick Jourdain (10) all topped double figures.
The Owls made six-straight baskets and pulled to within four after a 16-2 run, but that would be as close as they would get. Williams made back-to-back buckets and then assisted on the next three makes to stretch the lead back out to 12 with less than two minutes to play. Davis iced the game at the line in the final seconds to secure the 86-77 victory.
Memphis shot a season-high 56.7 percent from the floor (34-60). It’s the second-highest field goal percentage for the Tigers over the last three seasons.
The Owls made six-straight baskets and pulled to within four after a 16-2 run, but that would be as close as they would get. Williams made back-to-back buckets and then assisted on the next three makes to stretch the lead back out to 12 with less than two minutes to play. Davis iced the game at the line in the final seconds to secure the 86-77 victory.
Memphis returns to FedExForum on Thursday against Central Florida at 7 p.m. on ESPN+ for the Coaching for Literacy Game sponsored by International Paper. It is also the Bill Laurie celebration game where 1,000 bobbleheads will be handed out at the gates.
