Memphis Tigers Claw Their Way to Victory Against 13th-Ranked Clemson
In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, the Memphis Men’s Basketball team emerged victorious against the previously undefeated and 13th-ranked Clemson, 79-77, on Saturday afternoon. The game, held in a “White Out” at FedExForum in Memphis, saw the Tigers extend their winning streak to three games and notch their fifth Power Five win of the season.
A Roaring Start for the Tigers
A crowd of 15,052 passionate fans bore witness as Memphis (8-2) used their starting lineup of Jahvon Quinerly, David Jones, Ashton Hardaway, Nicholas Jourdain, and Malcolm Dandridge for the third-straight game. This formidable lineup has proven itself effective, with the Tigers boasting a 3-0 record in this stretch.
Over the last two seasons, Memphis has made a name for itself with an impressive 11-2 record against Power Five opponents. Saturday’s victory marked their first against a ranked nonconference opponent since their triumphant game against No. 6 ranked Alabama on Dec. 14, 2021.
Key Players Shine
David Jones was a standout player, scoring 20-plus points in his fourth consecutive game and his sixth of the season. His performance was rounded off with six rebounds, a pair of assists, and two blocks. Jahvon Quinerly also made waves with at least five assists in his fourth-straight game. He has reached double figures in three games in a row, and six games total this season.
Capitalizing on Clemson’s Mistakes
Memphis expertly took advantage of Clemson’s mistakes, scoring 17 points off 15 Clemson turnovers. In contrast, the Tigers showed excellent control of the game, turning the ball over just six times, the fewest in a game since their NCAA Tournament match against Gonzaga on March 19, 2022, where they had only five turnovers.
Dominating the Paint and the Stripe
Memphis dominated in the paint, scoring 44 points and marking the fourth time this season they’ve reached 40 in the paint. The team also drew 14 second-half fouls and went 13-for-19 from the stripe in the last 20 minutes.
Despite missing all of their last six free throws in the final two-and-a-half minutes, the Tigers had made their first 12 free throws of the game. This brief lapse did not deter the team from securing their win.
A Tense Game with Multiple Lead Changes
This was no easy victory for Memphis, with nine lead changes and six instances where the score was tied. This speaks to the tenacity and resilience of the team, who clawed their way to the top at the final whistle.
The Tigers’ victory over Clemson is a testament to their skill, teamwork, and strategic play. As the season progresses, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see if they can maintain their winning streak and continue to dominate against Power Five opponents. The roar of the Memphis Tigers echoes loudly across the college basketball landscape.
