Memphis Wins Third Straight Game, Beats Baylor 78-71
Behind a season high 23 points from Zach Davis, the Memphis Tigers beat the visiting Baylor Bears 78-71 to improve to 4-4. Davis finished with 13 rebounds to compliment his career high scoring day.
First Half
While the Tigers did start down 3-0, they quickly responded with a 9-0 run. Aaron Bradshaw and Ashton Hardaway contributed alongside Dug McDaniel, who hit a three from a step inside the logo to ignite the forum.
Bradshaw continued to leave his mark on the game, scoring seven of the next 11 points for the Tigers. However, an Isaac Williams triple cut the deficit to two with 8:04 to go.
Both squads exchanged baskets for the following five minutes. Zach Davis was the main contributor for the Tigers, scoring all eight of his first half points in the timespan.
With 1:30 remaining in the half, the Tigers led 37-30 behind hard earned points from Tariq Ingraham. However, Baylor hit a triple with two second remaining to cut the lead to 34-37 going into half.
Memphis only committed five turnovers other than Baylor’s eight. They also capitalized off their 11 offensive rebounds, putting up 14 second chance points.
Second Half
The Tigers held onto their five-point lead for the opening minutes until Caden Powell put the Bears up 46-45 with 15:17 remaining for the first time since the 17 minute mark. The Bears followed this up with a 7-0 run that extended their lead to eight.
Over the next 5:30, Memphis outscored Baylor 15-5 and took back the lead, 60-58. Contributions came from all around, but most notably from Zach Davis and Sincere Parker, who combined to scored nine of the 15. Memphis led 60-58 with 7:09 to go.
Davis continued to shine in the following minutes. Between the 4:27 and 2:34, Davis scored all seven of Memphis’s points, giving them a 71-65 advantage.
Inside the final two minutes, the Tiger’s defense is what led them to victory. They allowed just six points and matched every basket allowed, despite missing three free throws. Zach Davis threw down a slam and the Tigers went up 78-71 as time expired.
Notable Stats
Zach Davis shot 7-14 from the field and 8-10 from the charity stripe on his 23-point day. Aaron Bradshaw put up 17 of his own and finished with seven rebounds. Coach Hardaway spoke on how much potential he sees in Davis, “I knew from the beginning that he could put up these type of numbers up.”
While Dug McDaniel struggled shooting, 4-12, he still put up 11 points and seven assists.
Memphis shot 28-68 (41.2%) from the field and 3-16 (18.8%) from beyond the arc. The Tigers committed just four second half turnovers and finished with nine. The Bears committed 13.
Memphis scored 46 points in the paint compared to Baylor’s 22. They also finished with 21 second chance points.
Post-Game Thoughts
Hardaway was pleased about what this win meant for the near future of the Tigers. “This is a movement in the right direction for us, spiritually, mentally, and physically.”
This was the cleanest and toughest victory of the season for the Tigers. It seemed like every time there was a play to be made, they made it. There was no doubt of effort either, especially defensively.
What’s Next
The Tigers will have a week off before they visit the No.6 Louisville Cardinals. Memphis will look to continue their winning streak and take down the Cardinals. Tip off is set for 2:30 p.m.
