Tigers take down Vols in double OT thriller, 99-97

By  Adam Douglas

Sports Editor

 

The game was one for the ages. The University of Memphis Tigers (2-1) matched up against the Tennessee Vols in a consolation game and it turned out to be in the Maui Invitational one of the best games thus far. In a game mostly dominated by The U of M, the Vols mounted a comeback only to lose a heartbreaker in double overtime, 99-97.

The game started as the previous two regular season games for the Tigers have, sophomore big man Tarik Black picking up two cheap fouls and heading to the bench. But the deep Tigers bench, led by sophomore Antonio Barton and freshman Adonis Thomas, helped spur the Tigers to a 10-point halftime lead, 55-45. Barton had 17 points in the first half. Thomas had 11.

During the first half, Memphis led by as many as 16. But the Vols stayed relentless and would not give up. By the 4- minute mark of the second half, Tennessee pulled to within four at 77-73. But the Tigers, as they proved multiple times during the game, had an answer. After struggling in the quarterfinals against Michigan, sophomore guard Will Barton swished a go-ahead three pointer to stop the Vols' run and put the Tigers up 80-76. Closing the game out down the stretch proved to be very tough for Memphis, as they allowed the Vols to tie the game at 83 with .5 seconds left on the clock. Once the Tigers inbounded the ball, Thomas heaved a desperation half-court shot towards the basket, but to no avail – and into overtime they went.

The Vols began overtime scoring first with a couple of free throws and then a putback layup by Jeronne Maymon, two of his 32 points. But the Tigers answered with Wesley Witherspoon free throws to cut the lead by the Vols to 87-85. Both teams would trade baskets until Josh Richardson's three-pointer puts the Vols up by two, 91-89. Sophomore guard Chris Crawford answered back with a nifty layup around two defenders to tie the game at 91 and send the game into a second overtime.

With the game tied at 97, Antonio Barton hit a clutch shot, giving the Tigers a 99-97 lead with only .19 seconds left. It would prove to be the game winner. On the ensuing possession, the Vols couldn't get the ball inbounds and Witherspoon stole it with .8 on the clock. A last second try by the Vols fell short and the Tigers escaped with a 99-97 victory. Both Barton brothers finished with a combined 47 points, 17 rebounds and one assist.

The Tigers play Georgetown for the 5th-place finish in the tournament. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.