University of Memphis
Memphis, TN -- New Tigers' basketball coach Josh Pastner passed his first test by blowing out the Magicians in an exhibition game at FedExForum Tuesday.
Elliot Williams scored 24 points on 8-11 shooting, including 3-4 from beyond the arc, and four other Tigers scored in double digits to lift Memphis to a 98-68 victory over NCAA Division II foe LeMoyne-Owen College.
Sophomore Wesley Witherspoon added 13 points to go along with six assists. Willie Kemp scored 13 points, and Pierre Niles had eight points to go along with 11 rebounds.
The Tigers got off to a slow start, trailing by one as late as 4:55 in the first half, when Maurice Mickens hit a jumper to put LeMoyne-Owen ahead by one. Pierre Henderson-Niles then took a fast break past from Willie Kemp and converted it into a layup at the 3:54 mark to put Memphis ahead for good. That play would spark a 16-3 run and gave the Tigers a 45-33 advantage at the break.
The Tigers came out firing in the second half, starting with back-to-back three pointers from Willie Kemp and Elliot Williams to extend the lead to 18. Memphis pushed the lead to as much as 38, when Roburt Sallie hit a three at the 9:41 mark to put the Tigers ahead, 75-47.
Maurice Mickens scored 18 points to lead the Magicians who shot 46.7 percent in the first half. Taurean Moy added 14, and LaDarius Johnson scored 13.
Memphis shot 56.9% (37-65) from the floor, including 50% (7-14) from beyond the arc. The Tigers struggled from the charity stripe, knocking down only 17-27 free throws. LeMoyne-Owen shot 43.8% (28-64) in the game, including 33.3% (6-18) from the three point line. The Magicians were a meager 37.5% (6-16) from the free throw line.
The Tigers conclude their exhibition slate, Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m. when they take on Christian Brothers at the FedExForum.
