Tigers bruise Bruins 97-81

By Adam Douglas

Sports Editor

   

David Minkin

 

 

In a game where many experts either thought the final score was going to be close or thought the away team would somehow win, the No. 10 University of Memphis Tigers basketball team (1-0) made quick work of the Belmont Bruins on Tuesday afternoon, winning 97-81 in front of 16,294 fans at the FedEx Forum.

The Bruins did at one point lead the game 2-1 very early after tipoff, but the Tigers quickly regained the lead and never relinquished it from that point on. The Tigers' biggest lead at one point was 18, and the closest Belmont ever got was within seven points of Memphis midway through the second half.

"That was a great win for us; that's a good basketball team," said head coach Josh Pastner. "They're extremely well coached. They'll probably win 30 games again this year."

Though the final score indicates The U of M seemed in control for much of the game, it doesn't quite tell the battle that went on between the two teams.  There were technical fouls, elbows being thrown and scrappy play on both sides. Some positives for the Tigers included 20 assists on 34 made field goals, and fewer turnovers than the opponent, 18-9.

"The number one thing on offense for me is that the open man is the go-to man," Pastner said. "And single-digit turnovers, we had seven in the first half and two in the second, so I'm very proud of our guys for that."

The game wasn't easy for the Tigers. They missed 12 free throws, shooting 64.7 percent from the line, hitting 22 of 34 attempts. They were outrebounded 42-29, and couldn't stay out of foul trouble early. But with senior forward Wesley Witherspoon going 8-for-8 from the field and scoring 22 points to go along with 5 rebounds – arguably his best overall performance as a Tiger – the Bruins would not leave Memphis victorious.

"Wesley was elite today," Pastner said. "There was no doubt about that."

Sophomores Joe Jackson and Will Barton also helped the Tigers, each scoring more than 20 points. Jackson again looked like a true point guard, with seven assists and just two turnovers. Barton grabbed five boards and dished out three assists.

"We've got a lot of weapons," Barton said. "I expect guys to score and put up a lot of points. On any given night, Chris (Crawford), my brother (Charles) Carmouche or even (Tarik) Black can go for 20 points or more. It's scary."

The Tigers wore throwback uniforms from the 1972-73 team that went to the Final Four, and also honored former player and head coach Larry Finch by wearing a No. 21 patch on the right shoulder of the uniform. Pastner said the team will wear throwbacks throughout the season in commemoration of The U of M's 100th anniversary.

The Tigers return to action on Monday when they play No. 20 Michigan in the Maui Invitational. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.