Memphis Women’s Basketball Rains Points in Win over Troy
In an impressive display of offensive firepower, the Memphis women’s basketball team, the ‘Tigers,’ stormed back onto their home court at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse, marking a triumphant return with a 100-88 victory over Troy.
After nearly a month away, the Tigers roared back into action, improving their overall record to 3-5. The team’s strong start set the tone for the game, as they shot an impressive 60 percent from the field in the first quarter, with 22 of their 26 points coming from the paint. Consecutive baskets from Aliyah Green, Kai Carter, and Layken Cox saw the Tigers establish a commanding 26-13 lead early on.
A noteworthy moment arrived midway through the first half when KiAri Cain, a shining star for the Tigers, surpassed the 1,000-career point mark with an and-one play, helping to stretch the lead to 18 points. Madison Griggs emerged as a force on the offensive end, contributing 10 of her game-high 22 points in the second quarter, and the Tigers took a comfortable 50-32 lead into halftime.
The second half didn’t slow down the Tigers’ scoring spree. Griggs and Alasia Smith started the third quarter with back-to-back three-pointers, forcing Troy to call a timeout. Carter’s consecutive baskets later in the quarter pushed the lead out to a game-high 29 points.
Not to be completely overshadowed, the Trojans rallied in the final five minutes of the third quarter, stringing together 19 points to cut into the Tigers’ lead. However, it was too little too late as the Tigers had an 80-59 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
Despite the Trojans’ valiant effort in the final quarter where they outscored the Tigers 29-21, the Tigers’ lead proved insurmountable. Destyne Jackson‘s late three-pointer ensured that the Tigers hit the century mark and maintained a 21-point lead with just 1:39 left in the game. A final push from Troy in the form of a 9-0 run in the last 90 seconds of the game wasn’t enough to overcome the Tigers, with the game ending 100-88 in favor of Memphis.
Griggs topped the scoring charts with 22 points, while Carter, Cain, and Jackson also contributed significantly, reaching double figures. Smith picked up a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. As a team, the Tigers shot an impressive 48 percent from the field and 43 percent from beyond the arc. On the defensive end, the Tigers forced Troy into 22 turnovers, further highlighting their dominance.
The Tigers will look to carry this momentum into their next game on Wednesday, Dec. 6, when they travel to New York to take on Columbia University. The game will be broadcast on ESPN + at 6 p.m. CT.
