Memphis Roar

Just over half an hour before the start of the game between the University of Memphis and the University of Central Florida the FedEx Forum had to be completely evacuated. According to the Commercial Appeal, a car in a parking garage adjacent to the Forum struck a water pipe connected to sprinkler system setting off the fire alarm. As a result, tip off was delayed 20 minutes.

When the game finally started, it was neck and neck the entire first half with neither team able to pull ahead by more than three points. UCF came out on fire, shooting 56.6% from field, including 60% from the three-point line, in the first half. The Tigers only managed to shoot 41.9% from the field, but were able to go into half up 37-34 by shooting 45% from the arc and scoring 14 second chance points.

“We are glad we got the ‘W’. We had to grind and gut that one one,” head coach Josh Pastner said. “UCF shot the daylights out of it. When a team shoots like that, it’s usually a recipe for an ‘L’.”

The Tigers looked like they would blow the game open by extending their lead to 11 points during the first 3 minutes of the second half. UCF battled back after Will Coleman picked up his fourth foul and was forced to sit. The Knights were able to eventually gain the lead back, thanks to continued hot shooting (50%) and forcing the Tigers into eight second half turnovers. The Tigers trailed by three with just over seven minutes to go when Doneal Mack converted a big four-point play after being fouled on a made three-point basket. The Tigers never trailed again.

Memphis was led by 15 points a piece from Doneal Mack and Roburt Sallie. The combination of Mack and Sallie provided the Tigers some much needed bench scoring that they have not had in several games this season. Neither started due to being disciplined for a “very minor” situation.

“Rob Sallie and Doneal Mack, I had to discipline them for a very minor situation, but they kept a great attitude, kept positive,” explained Pastner. “They came in and both played great and won us the game. Those two guys really stepped up and picked up the slack.”
 

In addition to scoring, Sallie provided excellent defense for the Tigers, irritating his opponents with relentless pressure and forcing a shot-clock violation in the second half.  Elliot Williams and Wesley Witherspoon both struggled shooting the ball, but still managed 10 and 12 points respectively. Willie Kemp was the fifth Tiger to hit double figures, adding 10 points.

The Tigers were able to dominate the boards, outrebounding UCF 34-20 including 13 offensive rebounds. D.J. Stephens had 7 rebounds, and Elliot Williams had 8 rebounds in addition to 7 assists. Angel Garcia converted a three-point play on his first offensive possession for the first points of his career. On his first defensive possession, he blocked a shot. He played just 3 minutes, but showed some flashes of ability.

In speaking about pulling Garcia after only three minutes, Pastner responded, “I said, ‘Angel, you’ve been good in practice. Don’t make the game complicated. I want you to shoot, pass or go to the post. I don’t care if a guy gives you an inch, shoot it. You can score.’”

The Knights were led by A.J. Tyler, who scored 18 points and had 6 rebounds. Marcus Jordan added 10 points with 7 assists and no turnovers. Jordan was able to get into the lane at will, where he either dished the ball to an open teammate or finished strong at the rim.

Next up for the Tigers is a Saturday road trip to Tulsa.  The Golden Hurricanes were tied for second in the CUSA standings coming into their game tonight against Southern Miss.

“It’s going to be an absolute battle. It will be a great test for us. Our speed and athleticism, we will have to utilize that,” explained Pastner.

Soundbite of the Night

“We just want to move on and try to build something new. It was different not seeing him out there. He’s someone that will be a friend for life. People don’t have one single clue of what he’s been thru in his life. If people understand what he’s been thru, they would have a different perspective.” – Roburt Sallie on losing Pierre Henderson-Niles

Here is an eye-opener for fans. Maybe it is time for some Memphis fans to take a page out of Josh Pastner’s book. Put simply, it is about time some people remember that it’s not about them. Sometimes, as fans, it’s easy to sit up in an ivory tower, watching intently while thinking that the players that entertain so many owe you something. They owe you nothing. They owe media nothing. What they get in opportunities and scholarship money from the school they give back equally in time, work, blood, sweat and tears. They give up their privacy. They have bartered it away only for fans to later discuss their looks, habits, social life, coordination, skills, jump-shot and so on. It’s time for a reality check. Do everyone a favor, look in the mirror and say the following: “This is not about me.” 

Box Score