Memphis Secures Another Last-Second Victory Over SMU
The Memphis Tigers have again shown their ability to thrive under pressure, pulling off a sensational last-second win against the SMU Mustangs. Jahvon Quinerly, the Tigers’ late-game talisman, did not disappoint the raucous FedEx Forum crowd, sinking a three-pointer with only 3.2 seconds left to seal the deal. The victory, which ended with a score of 62-59, not only extended the Tigers’ winning streak to eight but also snapped SMU’s four-game winning streak, demonstrating the Tigers’ resilience and clutch performance.
Quinerly’s heroics are quickly becoming a staple for the team, with this game-winner coming hot on the heels of his previous match-winning shot against Tulsa. His ability to perform under pressure has not gone unnoticed, and he has been instrumental in Memphis’s rise as one of the best defensive teams in the country.
David Jones stood out as a star performer, contributing a team-high 17 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing out on a double-double. Quinerly, although the hero at the end, contributed a solid 11 points throughout the game. Jaykwon Walton also played a crucial role, adding 10 points to the scoreboard, proving that the Tigers have a variety of weapons in their arsenal.
Rebounding Woes in the First Half
The Tigers faced a significant challenge in the first half, particularly on the rebounding front. SMU dominated the boards, out-rebounding Memphis 25-9. The Mustangs’ prowess was particularly evident in offensive rebounds, as they collected more offensive boards (12) than Memphis had total rebounds. This allowed SMU to control the game’s pace and build a lead by capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.
Foul Trouble
Memphis’s aggressive defensive strategy led to a high foul count. With 19 team fouls, the Tigers’ rotation and overall game plan were affected. Nae’Qwan Tomlin, a midseason transfer from Kansas State, found himself in foul trouble early on, which limited his impact on the game. Tomlin, Malcolm Dandridge, and Nick Jourdain, who also racked up three fouls each, struggled to make a significant impact due to the persistent foul issues.
Statistical Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a story of Memphis trying to find their rhythm. Their shot selection wasn’t as efficient, and the rebounding differential was stark. However, despite these struggles, the Tigers managed to keep themselves in the game with slightly better three-point shooting and more points off turnovers.
The second half, however, saw Memphis turn the tide. Their field goal percentage improved, and defensively, they were much more dominant, with seven blocks compared to SMU’s four. The Tigers also managed to reverse the rebounding deficit, pulling down more boards than SMU, contributing significantly to their ability to make a comeback.
UP NEXT
Memphis looks ahead to its next challenge, preparing to host UTSA on Wednesday night. The game, aired on ESPN+, is a chance for Memphis to continue their strong form against a conference newcomer. With the Tigers’ recent performances, fans will no doubt be eager to see if their team can maintain the intensity and drama that has become a hallmark of their games this season.
The match against UTSA will be historical, being only the second matchup between their programs and the first since the 1993-94 season.
