Chris Massie scored 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds Saturday night to lead the University of Memphis to a 75-53 victory over Southern Mississippi at The Pyramid.
The Golden Eagles were hindered by a dismal shooting night, hitting only 25 percent for the game. The Tigers (11-4, 1-0 Conference USA) contributed to the poor shooting with a tough defense and a season-high 10 blocks.
Massie, coming off the bench, connected on 7-of-11 from the field in 17 minutes of play. Earl Barron and Scooter McFadgon added 10 each for the Tigers, Barron hitting all four of his shots from the field and both free throws.
Clement Carter led the Golden Eagles (5-6, 0-1) with 14 points, while Mario Myles added 13. Brad Richardson finished with 11 points and 5 assists. Southern Mississippi played the game without leading scorer Elvin Mims, who was suspended indefinitely prior to the game. Coach James Green said the suspension was for a rules violation.
Memphis led 29-23 at the half, but the story was the Golden Eagles’ poor shooting.
Southern Mississippi missed of 16 of its first 17 shots from the field and went almost nine minutes between baskets in the first half.
But Memphis, hitting 5-of-15, could build only a 12-5 lead. When Carter connected on three baskets, including a 3-pointer, Southern Mississipi had tied the game. The Golden Eagles eventually would lead 19-18 on another Carter basket.
Memphis would go on an 11-2 run, however — holding the 6-point lead at the break.
In the second half, Memphis put together a 20-2 streak to extend the advantage to 56-32, and the Tigers never let the advantage get below 20 the rest of the way.
