RAPID REACTION: Memphis 64, Central Michigan 61
Central Michigan had a chance to get the last shot of the game, but Memphis had other plans. The Tigers pulled out a 64-61 win Tuesday at McGuirk Arena.
The Chippewa women’s basketball team fell to 4-4 on the season and has now lost four straight games after starting the season 4-0.
What happened:
Memphis battled back from a 61-56 deficit, the Tigers tied the game with under two minutes to play. With less than 16 seconds left in the game, Memphis’ Ariel Hearn stole the ball from CMU's Da'Jourie Turner and went coast-to-coast to score the game-winning layup and made a free throw on the foul. Presley Hudson missed the game-tying 3-pointer as time expired.
Memphis capitalized on numerous CMU mistakes early in the game and held a 16-8 lead halfway through the first quarter. The Chippewas regrouped and ended the quarter on a 9-2 run to go into the second down 18-17.
The Chippewas were able to go into the half with a 33-30 lead after Tinara Moore scored seven points and grabbed five rebounds in the second quarter.
Memphis’ full court press forced CMU to play faster than it wanted and the Tigers were able to gain a 51-48 lead heading into the final quarter.
Slow start:
CMU Head Coach Sue Guevara wanted her team to start fast after losing three straight games. However, the Chippewas opened the game with three turnovers on their first three possessions, and Memphis made them pay for it. The Tigers jumped out to a 6-0 lead off of CMU’s mistakes.
Turnovers:
The Chippewas won the rebounding battle, but they didn’t take care of the ball, and as a result the Tigers were able to take advantage. CMU finished the game with a season-high 20 turnovers.
New rotation:
Following a 74-69 loss to Illinois, Guevara said she would make changes to the lineup in order to add a spark to the Chippewas. Reese freshman Reyna Frost got her first career start against the Tigers over sophomore Moore, who had started the first seven games.
Moore responds:
After losing her starting spot to Frost, Moore bounced back with one of her best games this season. She was aggressive in the paint and recorded her second double-double of the year with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
What’s next:
The Chippewas will have a little under a week to prepare for its match up against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. Tipoff is at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 at McGuirk Arena.
Keep following Central Michigan Life for more on Tuesday's game
