by Don Mooney
Senior guard Sincere Parker added bench spark to win over SIU. photo by Altonita Washington
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The defense, rebounding, offense were all clicking last night as Memphis got back in the win column Wednesday night with a 74-58 victory over Southern Illinois at FedExForum. After a tough two-week stretch, the Tigers put together an all-around performance they needed.
With fourteen players receiving action while the bench chippted a season-high 50 points. Dug McDaniel and Julius Thedford led the scoring with 15 each. McDaniel added five assists, and Thedford brought energy on both ends of the floor.
K-State transfer Dug McDaniel paced the Tigers again with 15 points and five assists in 33 minutes. photo by Altonita Washington
Southern Illinois (3-4) stayed close and took advantage of Memphis’ fouls and extra chances on the offensive glass. The Salukis cut the lead to seven late in the first half before Quante Berry provided a key boost. Berry knocked down back-to-back threes in the final minute, starting a 10–2 run that sent Memphis into halftime up 42-29.
IAfter the half Memphis’ size and athleticism became a factor. Seven-footer Aaron Bradshaw scored all 14 of his points after the break, going 10-for-10 at the free-throw line. His eight-straight points helped the Tigers build a 65-44 lead, their largest of the night.
Photo by Altonita Washington
Defensively, Memphis kept SIU in check. The Tigers held the Salukis’ leading scorer, Quel’Ron House, to seven points, limited SIU to 31.0 percent shooting and just 2-for-15 from three. Even with the teams tying on the glass (40-40) and SIU securing 17 offensive boards, Memphis prevented any late comeback attempt.
photo by Altonita Washington
Dug McDaniel paced the Tigers again with 15 points and five assists in 33 minutesZach Davis pulled down a season-high six rebounds, while Berry and newcomer Hasan Abdul Hakim provided solid minutes off the bench. Hakim, in his regular-season debut, added four points, three rebounds and two assists. Every available Memphis player saw the floor for the first time this season.
The win was Penny Hardaway‘s 96th at FedExForum and the program’s first meeting with Southern Illinois. Memphis now has a week to prepare for its next home game against New Orleans on Dec. 3.