Tigers survive scare from Golden Eagles; win 60-58

AP: Photo by: Lance Murphy

 

     With just 10 seconds to go and Memphis up by two, Southern Miss had the game right where they wanted. But just like in years past, they couldn't overcome the Tigers and their last second wide open three point shot was missed - giving the Tigers (11-5, 2-0 in Conference USA) yet another victory over the Golden Eagles 60-58.

"I thought it was good from where I was," said Josh Pastner, head coach of the Tigers. "I was happy that it didn't go in, but I slapped the table because the guy was wide open and we missed the assignment - we just can't give wide open looks like that.

The game shouldn't have come to a last second shot by either team. Once the second half began, Tigers sophomore Antonio Barton took it upon himself to put the team on his back, scoring the first seven points of the session, and help sparking the Tigers to the biggest lead of the night at 44-32. But with three point shooting came the Golden Eagles. Three straight three pointers trimmed the Tigers' lead to four. And from that point on, it was a ball game.

"We won the game because we made free throws at the end, and we got stops," Pastner said. "We were fortunate to hang to and win this ball game. We got stagnant offensively, made some bonehead plays, had eight turnovers in the second half - we just can't do that."

The Tigers did do some good in the game. They held USM to just 35 percent (20-of-57) from the field, forced 11 turnovers, blocked eight shots and were even on the boards at 36 apiece. And though the Golden Eagles only shot 28.6 percent from three point range, they were able to get wide open looks and attempt 28 shots.

"We have to keep our composure, we had took the momentum from them," said sophomore guard Will Barton. "But they well coached and we knew that they hadn't beaten us in a while so we have to keep that same energy that got us the lead. I think we just resorted back to bad habits at the end."

Barton and his brother, Antonio, led the Tigers in scoring. Will had 11 points, nine boards and four steals - not reaching a double-double for the first time in five games. Antonio finished with 13 points and two rebounds. But it was the play of sophomore forward Tarik Black that saved the game for Memphis. Black came up with five huge blocks down the stretch, including nine points and clutch free throws to help seal the game.

"I was shocked that they fouled us," Black said. "I expected that they would make us come down and run our offense, but we lucked up on that foul."

The Tigers try to keep their 5-game winning streak going as they travel to Houston to take on the Cougars on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time.