MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The Memphis Tigers defeated the Florida Atlantic Owls 78-74 in a much-anticipated rematch from last season’s matchup in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The win moves Memphis to 20-8 on the season and 9-6 in the American Athletic Conference.
David Jones led all scorers with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Nae’Qwan Tomlin added 21 points and 8 rebounds while Jahvon Quinerly scored 14 points and 6 assists.
Vladislav Goldin scored 22 points and 8 rebounds for Florida Atlantic and Johnell Davis added 20 points and 7 rebounds.
Florida Atlantic tried some intimidation factors as the Owls interrupted the Tigers’ pregame tunnel entrance.
The rematch between these two teams was physical. The officials held onto the whistle as both teams played with some chippiness.
Besides the rematch, the biggest storyline of the game is the absence of Malcolm Dandridge, who was ruled out indefinitely on Saturday by the Memphis Tigers Athletic Department.
“I can’t speak on that, but I’m waiting just like how you guys are,” said Coach Penny Hardaway.
The first half was a battle between Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Vladislav Goldin as Tomlin scored 11 and Goldin retaliated with 12 points.
The Tigers faced a 1-point deficit at halftime, but controlled most of the stats battle, forcing 8 FAU turnovers.
The second half started much of the same as the first half, including a deja vu moment for Tigers fans as FAU was granted a timeout during what some would say was a jump ball play.
It was a very reminiscent moment of the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament matchup between these two teams when Memphis felt they should’ve been granted a timeout.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin rocked the crowd with a powerful dunk from an assist by David Jones. Moments later, Tomlin stole the ball and advanced it to Jones who finished the play with an and-1 layup.
“Just going into this game, you just want to get that get back for Memphis,” said Tomlin. “I did it not only for Memphis, but I did it for my team (Kansas State) last year.”
The Tigers controlled the momentum with great defense on the Owls as Memphis hit tough shots to stretch their lead to 10 points with 3 minutes remaining.
FAU attempted a last-minute rally bringing the deficit down to three points, but great defense from the Tigers halted the effort as Memphis held on for the win.
Memphis held Florida Atlantic to 2 of their last 12 field goal attempts.
The Tigers travel back on the road to North Carolina to face the East Carolina Pirates on Thursday in a conference matchup.
