Memphis Lady Tigers route Florida Atlantic 76-56 seen by only a few. photo by Don Mooney
Memphis, TENN—Amid a week of frigid cold in the city of Memphis many businesses throughout were closed including the University of Memphis campus. Unfortunately many didn’t get an eye witness account of the lady Tigers offensive domination of visiting Florida Atlantic, 76-56 at FedExForum.
Quality seating on the floor for those who braved the game-day weather. photo by Don Mooney
This was the first time Memphis women’s basketball team has played in FedExForum since 2015 and its first win since Feb. 24, 2013. The Florida Atlantic women’s basketball team fell behind early and just couldn’t fight back into the contest as the Owls (5-12, 0-6 AAC) dropped a 76-56 battle on the road against the Memphis Tigers (6-12, 2-5 AAC) on Saturday inside FedEx Forum.
Tigers interior defense proves challenging for Owl. photo by Don Mooney
The Tigers shot lights out to start the game, going 12-16 from the field and 4-6 from long range. Layken Cox put Memphis out to a quick 6-1 run after three consecutive possessions of lay-ups for the junior. Four combined three-pointers from Alasia Smith, Madison Griggs and Ki’Ari Cain gave the Tigers a fast 22-4 lead with 3:30 remaining in the first quarter.
Head coach Alex Simmons has reason to smile during win over Owls of Florida Atlantic. photo by Don Mooney
Along with their offensive onslaught, Memphis forced Florida Atlantic into five turnovers in the opening 10 minutes. The Tigers finished the final five minutes of the first quarter on a 14-4 run to take a dominating 28-8 lead into the second frame.
Tigers protected the basket seen here by 6′ 3″ frosh forward Jana Sallman from Cairo, Egypt. photo by Don Mooney
It was all Memphis again in the second quarter; while the Owls cut minutely into the Tiger lead, Jana Sallman capped off an 11-0 run to end the half gave Memphis its largest lead of the half and the 50-21 advantage heading into the break.
Ki’Ari Cain shoots over Owl opponent. photo by Don Mooney
Who Next:
The Owls will return to Paradise next week as they prepare to welcome the ECU Pirates for a midweek matchup on Thursday, Jan. 25. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. inside Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
Memphis will have a week off before getting back on the hardwood. The Tigers will travel to Houston, Texas next weekend to take on Rice. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27.