Memphis shot just 32 percent from the field and not much better from the free throw line (50 percent) as Xavier defeated the Tigers in the championship game of the O’Reilly Auto Parts tourney in Puerto Rico Sunday night.
Twelfth-ranked Memphis missed 15 free throws, many in the final minutes as Xavier clung to a small lead. The Tigers trailed most of the game and were never able to find a flow on offense against the tough Musketeers’ defense.
Memphis had only five assists for the game, as Tiger players settled for one-on-one moves or outside jumpshots most of the evening. Freshman guard Tyreke Evans led Memphis with 12 points, followed by Antonio Anderson and Robert Dozier with 10 apiece.
Terrell Holloway led a balanced Xavier attack with 13 points. Box score.
— BV
