No. 25 Memphis 93, Central Florida 71: Joe Jackson tallied 21 points and 10 assists and the Tigers extended their winning streak to 15 games with a rout of the visiting Knights.
Memphis (21-3, 10-0 Conference USA) had five players score in double figures, with Geron Johnson tallying 19 points to go with his nine rebounds and eight assists. Adonis Thomas scored 17 points, while D.J. Stephens and Chris Crawford each chipped in with 10.
Central Florida (17-7, 7-3) was paced by Isaiah Sykes, who had 17 points but also committed nine turnovers. Daiquan Walker had 14 points, while Tristan Spurlock and Keith Clanton added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The game was close throughout the first half, with each team holding the lead before Memphis eked ahead for a 42-36 lead at halftime. The Tigers then scored nine of the first 11 points of the second half to open up a 13-point advantage.
The Knights pulled to within eight at 57-49 with 13:49 to play, but Memphis went on a 21-1 run over the next 5:43 to completely blow the game open.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Knights G Calvin Newell had been averaging 14.6 points in league play but managed just seven points on 3-for-7 shooting. … The Tigers improved to 14-3 in games in which they have at least three players score in double figures this season. … It doesn't get easier for Central Florida, which travels to Texas-El Paso for a Saturday matchup. Memphis looks to stay perfect in conference play when it hits the road for Marshall on Saturday.
Central Florida | Memphis | |
Isaiah Sykes 17 | Scoring | Joe Jackson 21 |
Calvin Newell 4 | Assists | Joe Jackson 10 |
Isaiah Sykes 6 | Rebounds | Geron Johnson 9 |
Tristan Spurlock 6 | Free Throws Made | Adonis Thomas 4 |
Calvin Newell 2 | Steals | Joe Jackson 3 |
Staphon Blair 3 | Blocks | D.J. Stephens 2 |
Team | Points | FG% | 3PM-3PA | FTM-FTA | Assists | Rebounds | Blocks | Steals | Turnovers |
Central Florida | 71 | 47.1 | 10-20 | 13-25 | 11 | 18 | 5 | 7 | 18 |
Memphis | 93 | 58.5 | 7-18 | 10-15 | 28 | 37 | 5 | 11 | 15 |