Johnson City, Tennessee: A Roller Coaster Game for Memphis Women’s Basketball
On a brisk Sunday afternoon in Johnson City, the Memphis women’s basketball team faced off against ETSU in a nail-biter that had fans on the edge of their seats. Despite an impressive comeback that saw them erase a staggering 19-point halftime deficit, the Tigers ultimately fell short, losing the game 78-71.
Third Quarter Surge
The Tigers, now sitting at a 2-5 record for the season, came out of halftime looking like a brand new team. They exploded onto the court in the third quarter, dominating the Bucs with a jaw-dropping 30-11 scoring margin. This was the largest third-quarter margin the team had seen since January 20, when they faced Florida Atlantic University.
It was a true *team effort* in that decisive quarter as the Tigers capitalized on their momentum. Alasia Smith, back in her hometown, showed her skills by leading the charge with four steals, igniting a 12-0 run that really had the crowd buzzing. Memphis had found their rhythm, and when Layken Cox scored just as the buzzer sounded at the end of the third, fans began to believe that an upset was actually within reach.
Standout Performers
Two standouts for Memphis in this game were Elauna Eaton and Layken Cox. Eaton led the team with a career-high of 20 points, which included four three-pointers. She was instrumental in keeping the Tigers within striking distance, hitting timely shots that both silenced the opposition and electrified the crowd. Meanwhile, Cox finished with 18 points, marking her best showing in the 31 games she has played wearing the Memphis jersey. It was a performance to remember for both players, showcasing their resilience and talent.
ETSU Takes Control
As the fourth quarter rolled around, it became clear that the drama wasn’t over just yet. ETSU managed to regain momentum early on with a quick 6-0 run. Though Memphis put up a fight, it was apparent that the energy they expended in the third quarter began to catch up with them. ETSU’s Courtney Moore proved to be a thorn in the Tigers’ side, finishing with an impressive 25 points on just 14 attempts.
Though Memphis outperformed the Bucs in rebounding, grabbing 42 rebounds compared to ETSU’s 36, turnovers came back to haunt them. The Tigers committed 17 turnovers, a statistic that allowed ETSU to score 14 fast-break points that ultimately played a key role in determining the outcome of the game.
What’s Next for Memphis
With this game now in the rearview mirror, the Tigers are set to continue their road trip, heading to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to take on Southern Miss next Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m. Fans are hoping that the grit and determination they witnessed in the second half against ETSU can carry over into their next game. It’s clear that this Memphis team has the potential to stun any opponent when they play with heart.
Stay Connected
If you want to stay up to date with everything happening with the Memphis Tigers, be sure to check their official website and follow along on social media channels. This season is still full of exciting opportunities, and who knows what incredible moments await just around the corner!
