The Memphis Lady Tigers {21-10} got their first WNIT win, since 2011-2012, when they defeated Jackson State, 79-68, in round one. The Lady Tigers would sell out Elma Roane Fieldhouse and the record-setting crowd would see an impressive performance. We will look at what Memphis did in their round one game, who stood out for Memphis, who is next, what players for that team pose a threat, and how to watch or listen to the game. Memphis would win their opening round game but how did it happen?
Let’s look at the opening game.
Round One
In round one we would see a battle of Tigers. Memphis and Jackson State would tip it off in round one. Memphis would come away with a 79-68 win before the 1,821 fans. The Tigers shot 26/73 {35%} from the field, 8/25 {32%} from deep, and 19/25 {76%} from the free throw line. Memphis has continued to control the glass as they would out-rebound JSU 48-41. To further this point the Lady Tigers have outrebounded their opponents by more than 240 rebounds this season. Memphis ranked in the top 10 in the nation with six offensive rebounds and eight total rebounds in a game this season. Memphis would score 22 points in the paint and show their dominance with 22 offensive rebounds. Memphis and JSU would be tied for 15 seconds in this game when Memphis would take a lead they would never give up as they would lead for 39:41 seconds. In this dominating win, the entire team played well.
Let’s take a look at a few for Memphis that led the way.
Tigers Showing out
Three Tigers, Jamirah Shutes, Madison Griggs, and Emani Jefferson, scored 53 of the 79 total points scored. Shutes led the way with 24 points on the night while shooting 7/15 from the field, 2/5 from three, and 7/9 from the free throw stripe. Griggs would be the second-leading scorer on the night with 15. She would shoot 5/14 from the field, 3/11 from deep, and a perfect 2/2 from the free throw stripe. Griggs would have five defensive rebounds in what was another great all-around performance for the Senior.
On the season, Griggs is shooting 37% from the field, 35% from deep, and 93% from the free throw line. The final Tiger to make a statement in round one was junior Emani Jefferson, who scored 14 points in 22 minutes of work. Jefferson would finish 3/10 from the field, 1/2 from deep, and 7/9 from the free throw stripe. The Wright State transfer has been a constant sorcerer this season as she is shooting 46% from the field, 34$ from deep, and 74% from the free throw line. The junior is averaging 23 minutes per game and is impactful in each minute The remainder of the team put together the 26 remaining points in the win. With the win, Memphis will move on to the second round of the WNIT for the first time since 2011. Who will they play?
Who Is Next?
Ball State
The 26-8 Cardinals come in following their, 101-86, win over Belmont in the first round. The Cardinals would have a two-point lead at halftime and never give it up as they would win by fifteen. On the season, the Cardinals have been led by Aly Becki, Madelyn Bischoff, and Thelma Dis Agustdottir as they have scored nearly 65% of the team’s points on the season. Becki is leading the Cardinals in rebounds and assists in 2023.
Memphis will need to contain these players in order to move on in this tournament. This will be the first-ever meeting between these two programs.
How to Watch and Listen
The game will tip on Monday, March 20th, at 7 pm. The game will be streamed on ESPN3 and will be broadcasted locally, on the radio, on 98.9 The Roar of Memphis with Tyler Springs on the call.
