Shockers Declaw Tigers
Tigers guard Avery Woodson tries to score against two Wichita State Defenders.
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Sioux Falls, SD – They had an early 2-0 lead. That was just about as good as it got on Tuesday as the University of Memphis Tigers (0-1) opened their season with a whimper, and lose to No. 11-ranked Wichita State, 71-56.
The Tigers’ inability to hold on to the ball – to the tune of 24 turnovers that led to 27 points for the Shockers is one of the many problems that doomed the Tigers in South Dakota. Also, Memphis has lack of experience in the backcourt, no leadership and no go to guy. All signs that clearly pointed to why the blowout happened against an experienced Wichita State team that went to the NCAA Final Four last season.
“We had 21 turnovers in our scrimmage against Christian Brothers University and 24 here,” said Josh Pastner, head coach for the Tigers. “We’ve got to play better at the point guard position. Otherwise, we will have to look at other options. ”
Memphis struggled in the first half, shooting at a 29 percent clip. The Shockers struggled shooting the ball too, but did lead the Tigers 29-22 at the intermission. But it was more of the same in the second half as Preseason First-Team All-America point guard Fred Van Vleet and crew dominated the Tigers, being up by as many as 20 points or more and easily cruised to the victory.
“We got to work on taking care of the ball more,” said Nick King, sophomore guard/forward for the Tigers. “Once we slow down and be poised with the ball, we’ll be fine.”
King led Memphis with 16 points and seven rebounds. Last year’s AAC Freshman of the Year Austin Nichols scored 10 points and blocked six shots – but only pulled down two rebounds. Tigers’ star, Shaq Goodwin, was much maligned throughout the game. He was hampered by early foul trouble in the first half, leading to diminished playing time and finishing with four points.
Memphis returns to the court on Monday to take on Prairie View A&M University. Tipoff is 7pm at FedExForum.
