Dec. 31, 2010

Box Score

Box Score in PDF Format

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - - By: Colby Wilson, Tammy DeGroff

The University of Memphis' women's basketball team (11-3) completed their sweep through the month of December, closing out 2010, and their non-conference schedule, with an 83-64 defeat of Jackson State (1-8), Friday, at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse.

The victory was the Tigers' seventh home victory in a row, eighth win overall and 18th consecutive win at the Elma Roane, where they were last defeated by Mississippi, 73-72, on Dec. 18, 2009, on a last second three.

Memphis dominated most aspects of the first half, but led just 38-37 after the opening 20 minutes after Jackson State knocked down five first half triples and forced Memphis in to nine turnovers. Poor free-throw shooting (7-for-14 from the line in the first half) also cost Memphis, who led by just one despite outrebounding the visiting Tigers of Jackson State, 26-11, in the first stanza.

Four Memphis Tigers had six points in the first half, including sophomore Mary Jackson, who came off the bench to hit her first two three-point field goals of the season in the first half. Memphis' strong showing on the boards in the first 20 minutes led to a significant advantage in second-chance points, 15-6.

After getting challenged by head coach Melissa McFerrin at the half, Memphis came out strong in the second half, turning up the defensive pressure and continuing to dominate the glass. Junior guard Ramses Lonlack opened the half with two quick steals that led to layups for herself and for Savannah Ellis, starting a 9-0 Memphis run that opened the lead to double digits at 49-37 with 16:57 to play.

Jackson State answered with a 6-3 run, but Jasmine Lee hit three straight buckets to push the lead back to double-digits, and there it would stay for the rest of the game. Memphis pushed the lead to as many as 23 before JSU used some late free-throws to pull the final score to 83-64.

Memphis was led in scoring by Brittany Carter, who finished with a game-high 13 points. Mary Jackson tied a career high with 11 points, hitting two three-point field goals and going 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. She also added five rebounds, three assists and tied for the game-lead with three steals. Nicole Dickson added 11 points off the bench on 5-for-9 shooting. Lee led the rebounding effort with 10 boards, and was one of three players to finish with eight points in the game (Savannah Ellis and Ramses Lonlack) were the others. Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir came off the bench and played 19 minutes, finishing with nine points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Takeya Felder and Memphis native Daria Hester led Jackson State with 11 points apiece, while Rachel Jones added 10 points and a game-high seven assists.

Memphis shot 53.4 percent from the floor, including 63.0 percent in the second half, while JSU shot 38.2 percent for the game.

With the win, Memphis closes its non-conference schedule with an 11-3 record and puts a perfect December in the book. It is Memphis' first unbeaten December since 1998-99. The win also gives Memphis its eighth straight victory. The 1998-99 team was also the last Memphis team to win as many consecutive games, winning nine.

Memphis opens Conference USA play on Thursday against Marshall, a team that features Conference USA pre-season all-conference post player Tynikki Crook. Crook is currently the conference's second-leading scorer and third leading-rebounder, averaging 18.7 points and 8.9 rebounds a night.

The Thursday game will be a Pouncer's Pals game, where all Pouncer's Pals will receive free admission for the game. One adult will also receive free admission with each Pouncer's Pals member. Season ticket holders are also encouraged to bring a friend to the game. Each season ticket holder can bring one guest, who will receive free admission to the conference opener. All seats in FedExForum are in the lower level and are general seating for Memphis women's game.