Sixth leading scorer in the nation David Jones launches game-winner with 4.3 ticks. photo by Don Mooney
by Don Mooney. 2-3-2024
Memphis, TENN—With under 7 minutes to go in regulation, down by 14 at home, Memphis Tigers appeared headed for fifth straight loss before Saturday matinee at FedExForum.
Jahvon Quinerly’s clutch 3-pointer with 44 seconds left and a midrange pull-up jumper from David Jones with 4.3 seconds remaining sealed the victory and hopefully launches Memphis (16-6, 5-4 AAC) back to winning form.
Wichita State (9-13, 1-8 AAC) led for nearly 38 minutes in the contest and held a 54-40 advantage after Dalen Ridgnal swished two free throws at the 7:55 mark. From that moment on, however, the Tigers kicked it into high gear and outscored the Shockers 25-9 the rest of the way.
Wichita State grabbed its largest lead of 14 with 7:55 remaining, but Memphis refused to go away. A 12-4 answer brought the Tigers within six, 58-52, forcing. Paul Mills to take a timeout at the 4:07 mark. Out of the timeout Memphis got a stop on the defensive end and then an offensive rebound led to a three-point play. Two missed Kenny Pohto free throws on the Shockers’ next trip resulted in a game-tying three-pointer from ones. Just like that Memphis had erased a 14-point deficit.
With all the momentum now gone, Wichita State punched back with back-to-back scores from Rogers and a Beverly breakaway dunk to go back in front, 62-58. Two Jones free throws cut the lead to two and then Quinerly gave the Tigers their first lead of the day with 44 seconds on the clock. Following a timeout, Wichita State got an offensive rebound from DeGray and was fouled. He hit the first and missed the second, leaving the game tied at 63 with 12 seconds remaining.
Memphis used its final timeout and got the ball in Jones’ hands, and he delivered with a stepback 15-footer, ending the Tigers’ four-game losing streak.
The Tigers get ready to travel to Philadelphia Thursday to take on the Temple Owls at 6 p.m. CT. They will then return home to host Tulane on Super Bowl Sunday at 1 p.m.