The Memphis Tigers basketball team achieved a thrilling victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday, extending their winning streak to five games. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a triumphant final score of 77-75 for the 23rd-ranked Tigers.
The defining moment of the game came in the form of a remarkable steal by Caleb Mills, followed by a lightning-fast break resulting in a dunk by Malcolm Dandridge. This pivotal play ignited the crowd at FedExForum and propelled the Tigers to a much-needed win.
Despite the victory, it was apparent that the Tigers faced challenges throughout the game. With Memphis trailing 62-54 with less than eight minutes remaining, it seemed that the game might slip away from them. However, a 12-0 run, culminating in Dandridge’s powerful dunk, turned the tide in their favor.
David Jones once again proved to be an imposing force, scoring 28 points and continuing his streak of achieving 20 or more points in six consecutive games.
Vanderbilt managed to maintain pressure on Memphis throughout the game, leading for more than 20 minutes and holding a slim one-point advantage with less than 5:37 left to play. However, the Tigers rallied, securing crucial points and delivering key defensive stops to secure the win, including a game-saving stop in the closing seconds.
Here are five key takeaways from the game:
1. The Impact of Free Throws
In a closely contested game, it was evident that free throws played a pivotal role in determining the outcome. Memphis capitalized on 26 free throws out of 35 attempts, giving them an advantage over Vanderbilt, who made just 17 out of 22 attempts.
2. The Challenge Posed by Ezra Manjon
Vanderbilt’s Ezra Manjon emerged as a formidable opponent for Memphis, scoring 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting. His impressive performance underscored the challenges posed by smaller guards, a trend that has troubled the Tigers throughout the season.
3. Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s Noteworthy Debut
Midseason transfer Nae’Qwan Tomlin made an immediate impact in his debut for the Tigers, receiving a warm welcome from the fans at FedExForum. Tomlin’s confident three-pointer within seconds of entering the game set the tone for his performance, as he finished with eight points and three rebounds.
4. Nicholas Jourdain’s Contribution
Temple transfer Nicholas Jourdain emerged as a pivotal player for the Tigers, scoring seven crucial points in the opening minutes of the second half and contributing to Memphis’s success in maintaining their lead.
5. Resilience and Adaptability
Despite challenges in their offensive game, particularly in 2-point field goals, the Tigers demonstrated resilience and adaptability, capitalizing on three-pointers and free throws to remain competitive and ultimately secure the win.
The victory over Vanderbilt represents a significant milestone for the Memphis Tigers, highlighting their ability to overcome adversity and emerge victorious. As the season progresses, the Tigers will undoubtedly draw from the lessons learned in this hard-fought battle to strengthen their position in the conference.