The Lady Tigers fall to East Carolina in Semifinals of AAC Tournament

Memphis unable to overcome another slow start in program’s first American Athletic Conference semifinal.

All was to play for in the semifinal match-up between the #2 seed Memphis Tigers and the #3 seed East Carolina Pirates, with both playing their best basketball as the calendar neared March. East Carolina came into the contest winning seven of their last eight while the Tigers were riding an eight-game undefeated streak.

The Tigers never held a lead in the game as East Carolina scored the first 4 points and kept the Tigers scoreless for the opening three minutes. The Pirates built their lead with a disruptive defense that forced 18 Memphis turnovers, seven coming in the first quarter.

Similar to the quarterfinals against UCF, the Tigers struggled from the three-point line, shooting 1-17 from behind the arc. Although this coincided with a rebounding surge – 51 total, 26 coming on the offensive end.

Memphis was able to respond and stay within reach through the efforts of Emani Jefferson and Jamirah Shutes, as the duo got to the free throw line often and combined for 38 of the team’s 60 points. Shutes reached the 1,500-career points milestone mid-way through the contest. Jada Wright was productive off the bench, scoring 12 points.

The Tigers’ field goal percentage plummeted to a game-low 23% in the fourth quarter. The Pirates were able to capitalize with transition opportunities, getting to the free throw line 16 times and ultimately winning by nine.

Ending the year 20-10 (11-4), Memphis will now wait to hear from the NIT selection committee regarding post-season play.