Memphis Roar

With classes starting the following day and an earlier tip-off time than normal, one might suspect that attendance would be down for the Tigers’ home game against the ECU Pirates on Wednesday night.  Despite the conditions, Tiger fans did what they are used to doing: showing up and supporting their basketball team. The Tiger players also followed through with what they are used to doing: beating another Conference USA opponent. Although the Tigers had a lackluster first half, thanks to the efforts of Wesley Witherspoon and Doneal Mack, the conference win streak continues.

The Tigers struggled against the Pirates early in the game, finding it hard to get in a good rhythm on offense. “Of our 16 games this season, I thought (the first half tonight) was our worst half,” Coach Pastner said. Although the Tigers took a 33-26 lead into half time, the game was left wide open, as the Tigers had opportunities in the first half to increase their lead and could not follow through.

Memphis was led by sophomore Wesley Witherspoon’s season high of 22 points and Doneal Mack’s 15 points. Witherspoon’s play was crucial for the Tigers because the Tigers have needed players besides Elliot Williams to contribute on offense. Witherspoon knocked down important jump shots and worked his way into the lane for lay-ups, causing problems for the Pirates the entire game.

The Pirates were led by junior point guard Brock Young, who despite his small size, displayed tremendous hustle and quickness.  Young used his quickness to blow by defenders and to separate himself for a shot. Unfortunately for the Pirates, Young did not receive enough help from teammates to keep up with the Tigers in the second half.

Elliot Williams helped the Tigers gain momentum in the second half with a fast break lay-up, and Wesley Witherspoon added to the run with another fast break basket.  From there, the Tigers opened the lead to 55-43 and never looked back, beating the Pirates 77-57.

“Coach Pastner stressed to us, ‘One more pass, one extra pass.’ Also, we had guys coming up to the high post, taking (the entry pass) there and working it (to) the opposite (side of the floor). We just had a good offensive game as a team,” Williams said. Williams finished the game with 8 points, but he was an important part of the Tigers’ second half run. Willie Kemp and Will Coleman also had solid games, finishing with 13 points and 8 points respectively.

Mack Reaches Milestone

Near the beginning of the second half, senior guard Doneal Mack connected on a long-range shot, putting him in a group that only forty-five previous Tigers have ever reached the 1,000 point club.

“It’s a great honor,” Mack said after the game. “Four years later, with me being in the thousand point club, I’m just humbled to be one of the players in that club.” Mack has come a long way since his freshman year, accompanying the Tigers on deep tournament runs and providing sparks on offense with his outside shooting. Mack’s presence has been a key component for the Tigers’ success.

“I’ll always love this program. I can’t picture myself anywhere else,” said Mack.