Playing just their third true road game of the season, Memphis displayed what appears to be its travel form: Relentless, counter-punching basketball . . . until a late-game fade hands the hosts a victory. The Tigers missed six of seven field-goal attempts late in Thursday night’s game at Cincinnati, allowing the Bearcats to win their 14th game of the season and improve to 4-3 in American Athletic Conference play. Cincinnati guard Troy Caupain scored a career-high 25 points and Shaq Thomas added 18 to offset the Tiger bench tandem of Avery Woodson (18 points) and Trahson Burrell (24). Burrell hit four of seven three-point attempts and Woodson was five for eight from long range. Burrell also pulled down 11 rebounds and handed out five assists.
The loss drops the Tigers to 12-6 on the season and 3-2 in the AAC.
Freshman Dedric Lawson missed eight of nine attempts from the field (he finished with seven points) and senior point guard Ricky Tarrant Jr. was limited to two points (though he dished out nine assists). Shaq Goodwin contributed 13 points for the U of M.
As a team, Cincinnati shot 50 percent from the floor (30 for 60), the highest percentage Memphis has allowed this season. In another statistical anomaly, the Tigers shot only 16 free throws (they made 12), the fewest they’ve taken in a game this season. Their 10 three-pointers tied the team’s season high.
Now 0-3 on the road, the Tigers return to FedExForum for a Sunday-afternoon matchup with East Carolina. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
