Any path the Tigers might take to the NIT requires them sweeping four games (combined) against the two weakest teams in the American Athletic Conference. Wednesday night at USF, Memphis secured the first of these victories to improve to 14-8 on the season and 5-4 in AAC play.
Junior point guard Jeremiah Martin scored 25 points — his tenth 20-point game this season — and handed out nine assists to lead the way for the Tigers and help end a two-game losing streak. The win is only the Tigers’ second in eight games away from FedExForum. USF drops to 8-15 (1-9) with the loss.
Junior forward Kyvon Davenport had his fifth double-double of the season (18 points, 11 rebounds) and freshman Jamal Johnson emerged from a slump with 18 points for Memphis. The Tigers led by 10 at halftime (42-32), a margin the Bulls were unable to close in the second half.
David Collins led USF with 21 points before fouling out late in the game.
The Tigers travel to East Carolina — the AAC’s other weak sister — this Saturday to face the Pirates. ECU lost to Tulane in overtime Wednesday to fall to 8-13.
