In a nail-biting finish, No. 16 Memphis outlasted Louisiana Tech with an 81-71 triumph at the FedEx Forum on Wednesday night.
Clutch Performance by Memphis Tigers
The game reached a pivotal moment with seven minutes remaining when the Bulldogs and Tigers were tied. However, Memphis showcased their resilience, ultimately pulling away to secure the win.
Memphis, known for their exceptional three-point shooting, capitalized on Louisiana Tech’s turnovers. The Tigers converted 31 points from LA Tech’s season-high 20 turnovers, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
- Dominant Free Throws: Memphis made 22 out of 33 free throw attempts.
- Rebounding Edge: Secured 20 offensive boards, leading to 21 second-chance points.
- Consistent Scoring: PJ Haggerty and Tyrese Hunter led Memphis with 23 and 20 points, respectively.
These factors combined to give Memphis the upper hand, especially during crucial stretches of the game.
Louisiana Tech’s Shooting Brilliance Falls Short
Despite a strong shooting performance, Louisiana Tech couldn’t overcome their defensive lapses. The Bulldogs hit a season-high 13 three-pointers, showcasing their sharpshooting skills.
Al Green emerged as a standout player, sinking four three-pointers off the bench and contributing 18 points. Sean Newman Jr. also shined with a double-double, tallying 13 points and 11 assists.
Bulldogs’ Statistics:
| Category | LA Tech | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Three-Pointers Made | 13 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 12 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 10 | 20 |
| Free Throws Made | 11 | 22 |
While the Bulldogs excelled in shooting, their high number of turnovers and limited rebounding opportunities hindered their chances of an upset.
Turning Points That Defined the Game
Several key moments shifted the momentum in favor of Memphis. After LA Tech tied the game at 63-63 with seven minutes left, Memphis responded with a decisive 9-0 run.
This surge was fueled by strategic free throws and a crucial three-pointer from Sean Newman Jr., who added to his double-double. Daniel Batchofree’s free throw extended Memphis’s lead to 72-67 with just under two minutes remaining.
Critical Moments:
- Second Half Surge: Memphis built an 11-point lead early in the second half.
- LA Tech’s Comeback: A 13-2 run tied the game, but Memphis’s response was swift.
- Final Push: Free throws and second-chance points sealed the victory for Memphis.
These moments underscored Memphis’s ability to maintain composure and execute under pressure.
Overcoming Adversity: LA Tech’s Fight
Despite trailing, Louisiana Tech demonstrated remarkable resilience. Their ability to hit multiple three-pointers kept the game within reach until the final moments.
Amaree Abram played a pivotal role, securing steals and executing fastbreak layups to keep LA Tech competitive. However, the Bulldogs struggled to contain Memphis’s offensive drives and rebounding strength.
LA Tech’s Standout Players:
- Al Green: 18 points, including four three-pointers.
- Sean Newman Jr.: 13 points and 11 assists.
- Amaree Abram: 10 points with crucial steals and fastbreaks.
Their efforts highlighted the Bulldogs’ potential, even in the face of a formidable opponent.
Future Implications and Team Performances
This loss affects Louisiana Tech’s standing, but their impressive shooting and competitive spirit offer hope for future games. Memphis, on the other hand, solidifies their position as a strong contender with their balanced performance.
Team Overview:
| Team | Record | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis Tigers | 7-1 | PJ Haggerty, Tyrese Hunter |
| LA Tech Bulldogs | 7-2 | Al Green, Sean Newman Jr. |
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses to climb higher in the rankings.
