The University of Memphis Aggressive ECU Defense Too Much for Tigers

Madison Griggs/Women's Basketball Guard | The University of Memphis

By Press release submission

Jan 16, 2023

The Memphis Tiger women's basketball team kicked off the 2023 portion of their schedule tonight as they hosted the Pirates of East Carolina University. Despite the hot shooing of Madison Griggs, the Tigers suffered the 55-47 loss.

Following tonight's game, Memphis moves to 8-7 overall and 0-2 in American Athletic Conference play.

Memphis opened up the 2023 portion of their season with a three-pointer in the corner from Destyne Jackson from the far corner for the early lead. A bucket from Lanetta Williams and two made free throws from Emani Jefferson would give the Tigers the 7-4 lead just three minutes into the game.

After being held scoreless for almost three minutes, East Carolina would make a run to take their first lead of the night. Jamirah Shutes would get her first two points of the night to break the Tigers scoring rut to put Memphis down 15-13 heading into the second quarter of play.

Madison Griggs, who was honored before the game for becoming the program's all-time leader in three-pointers, would give the Tiger offense a spark to open the second quarter; Griggs would add two more to the list on consecutive trips down the floor to put Memphis back on top.

Like the first quarter, the Pirates would make their comeback and take the lead once again behind seven points from Danae McNeal.

Just before heading into halftime, Griggs would sink her third three-pointer of the quarter to put Memphis down 29-26.

Quick buckets from Griggs and Williams would give Memphis the lead once again to open the second half. But, the aggressive ECU defense would make it difficult to score, looking at a 31-31 score with just over five minutes left in the third quarter. Despite being held scoreless for the final three minutes of the quarter, the Tigers would take the 37-34 lead heading into the final 10 minutes.

ECU would dominate in the fourth quarter, coming out with a 16-6 run and take the 50-43 lead. Turnovers would be the Tigers downfall in the final minutes of the game as Memphis suffered the 55-47 loss.

Madison Griggs led the charge for the Tigers with 18 points on six three-pointers and grabbed a team-high six rebounds while Jamirah Shutes added in eight points.