Can Memphis Tigers Claw Back After Narrow Loss to Wichita State Shockers?

The Memphis Tigers faced a challenging contest against the Wichita State Shockers, concluding with a score of 71-65. The Tigers now stand at an even record, while the Shockers improved their standing with this victory.

The game was a hard-fought battle from start to finish. The Memphis Tigers showed determination on the court but ultimately fell short against the Wichita State Shockers in an intense matchup. Despite trailing by two points at halftime, 35-33, the Tigers could not overcome the deficit in the second half, adding only 32 points to their tally compared to 36 by the Shockers.

Memphis's performance was marked by aggressive defense that led to nine steals and three blocks. However, they struggled offensively with a field goal percentage of just 36 percent and were outrebounded by Wichita State who grabbed 42 rebounds over Memphis's 38. The Tigers also had difficulty from beyond the arc, hitting only eight out of twenty-nine three-point attempts for a modest three-point percentage of twenty-eight percent.

On offense, despite converting less than half of their two-point attempts (forty-two percent), they managed to put up thirty-two points in paint. Their free throw shooting hovered around seventy percent accuracy but wasn't enough to close down their opponents' lead.

Wichita State showcased strong defensive skills as well with ten blocks and six steals while committing fewer personal fouls than Memphis (ten versus eleven). They were more efficient in scoring inside as well as outside; they shot fifty-seven percent on two-point field goals and thirty percent from three-point range which contributed significantly to maintaining their lead throughout most of the game.

A key factor for Wichita was their bench depth which allowed them some breathing room regarding remaining timeouts; they had two left at game's end compared to none for Memphis. This strategic advantage may have played a role in managing player fatigue and making timely tactical decisions down the stretch.

The attendance at Dickies Arena was recorded at five thousand five hundred thirty fans who witnessed seven times tied scores and fourteen lead changes during this nail-biting encounter between these competitive teams.

Looking ahead after this tough loss, fans can catch future broadcasts as The Memphis Tigers aim for redemption in upcoming games within American Athletic Conference play.