The Memphis Tigers have their first winning streak of the season. And in handling South Carolina Upstate tonight at FedExForum, the U of M has a winning record (5-4) for the first time in the 2014-15 campaign.
- Larry Kuzniewski
- Nick King
Playing their third game in five days, the Tigers were tied with the Spartans (21-21) midway through the first half before surging for a 13-point halftime lead (42-29). Steady play from forward Trahson Burrell and point guard Pookie Powell — each starting his second straight game — kept the score in the U of M’s favor to the final buzzer. Burrell finished with a team-high 17 points and 12 rebounds while Powell scored 16 and dished out eight assists. Austin Nichols added 12 points, Avery Woodson 16, and Nick King 10 off the bench as the Tigers shot 51 percent from the field. Ty Greene led the Spartans (8-4) with 25 points.
Memphis hit a season-high 11 three pointers (four of them by Woodson) and had matching totals for assists and turnovers (19).
The Tigers are right back at it Saturday when Oral Roberts visits FedExForum. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.