Memphis Tigers Blaze Past Wichita State with Record-Breaking Three-Point Display
The Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team delivered a stunning shooting performance on Sunday afternoon, setting a new program record with 19 three-pointers in a dominant 112-86 victory over the Wichita State Shockers at Charles Koch Arena. The 13th-ranked Tigers, standing at 15-2 overall and 4-0 in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), stretched their winning streak to ten games, marking their most impressive season start since the 2007-08 campaign.
Memphis came out of the gates with an offensive clinic, narrowly edging the Shockers 49-46 at halftime with a scorching 60.6% shooting from the field. The team’s three-point prowess was on full display as they went 7-for-12 from beyond the arc. However, it was the second half when the Tigers caught fire, sinking 12-of-18 from three-point range, leading to a 63-point half and a shooting percentage of 68.6%.
This scoring bonanza marks the second consecutive game where Memphis has surpassed the 100-point threshold after a 107-101 overtime win against UTSA. The last time the Tigers achieved back-to-back 100-point games was in 1986. It’s also worth noting that the 112 points allowed by Wichita State were the most the Shockers have conceded at home since 1972.
Fifth-year guard Jahvon Quinerly was the architect of the win, orchestrating the offense with 23 points and tying his career-high with 11 assists, alongside four steals and three rebounds. David Jones picked up the pace in the second half, adding 17 of his 19 points in the latter stages of the game.
Memphis also enjoyed a significant contribution from senior guard Jaykwon Walton, a former Shocker, who matched Quinerly’s 23 points buoyed by six triples. Walton’s all-around performance included three assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a block.
Postgame notes highlighted the effectiveness of the Tigers’ starting lineup, which has remained unchanged for seven straight games, boasting an undefeated record in their current configuration. Head coach Penny Hardaway notched another win against Wichita State, improving his impressive record against the Shockers.
The record-breaking day saw Memphis set new AAC records for made three-pointers in a single game and the most points scored in a half of an AAC conference game. The team’s offensive explosion was underpinned by six players reaching double figures, with Quinerly notching his first career double-double, and Walton setting a new season-high in points.
As the Tigers turn their attention to their next matchups, they will carry the momentum of setting season highs in multiple offensive categories, including points, field goals made, field goal shooting percentage, three-pointers made, three-point percentage, and assists.
Memphis will now return to their home court to face South Florida on Thursday evening before heading out to challenge Tulane the following Sunday, with both games promising to be thrilling encounters in the AAC landscape.
