Tigers bounce back at home to trounce Jackson State 70-45

By Adam Douglas

Sports Editor

After two losses in the Maui Invitational that dropped the No. 8-ranked Tigers to No. 21, Memphis was looking to rebound – in every sense of the word – against a Jackson State University team that they were supposed to dominate. Though the Tigers (3-2) won handily, 70-45, there seemed to be a lack of effort from the team Monday night.

"We were lackadaisical in the first half," said head coach Josh Pastner. "I ranted, raved in the locker room but without curse words. I don't know if it was a Maui hangover or what, but we have got to play better against Austin Peay on Saturday. I can tell you that."

The Tigers had only two scorers in double figures.

Sophomore guards Joe Jackson and Chris Crawford led Memphis with 15 points and 14 points, respectively. The main problem still plaguing the Tigers is rebounding. Jackson State outrebounded The U of M 36-29, and converted 90 percent of their free throws, shooting 10 of 11 from the line.

"The biggest thing is that we have got to rebound the ball better," Pastner said. "We do all these drills; we emphasize it. But we'll get it corrected."

The Tigers started the game lethargic and careless, turning the ball over seven times in the first half while scoring only 25 points to JSU's 19.

But the second half was a different story, as The U of M opened with a 15-0 scoring run with Crawford at point guard and Jackson off the ball.

Jackson State was unable to close the gap, and the Tigers won by 25 points.

"I really liked Chris (Crawford) at the point today," Pastner said. "He did some really good things as well as Joe (Jackson) did. Joe had three assists to just one turnover, but he still has to make the right plays and the right passes."

Junior forward Stan Simpson filled in for Tarik Black in the starting lineup. Pastner said that he sat Black in the beginning of the game to keep him out of foul trouble, and possibly motivate him.

Simpson responded by nearly posting a double-double, scoring seven points, snagging 10 rebounds and blocking five JSU shots.

"Coach said that whoever rebounds will play," Simpson said. "And I just figured that if I rebound, then we will be a better team."

The Tigers play Saturday against the Austin Peay Governors. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m at FedExForum.