Memphis avoids second Conference USA loss, edges Marshall
The Memphis Tigers were on the verge of suffering their second Conference USA defeat of the season, which would have been two more than they suffered in the past three years combined.
But Elliott Williams wouldn’t let that happen.
The newcomer scored a game-high 24 points, including a 3-point play with just over a minute remaining, to give the Tigers a late lead it wouldn’t relinquish in a 75-72 win against the host Marshall Thundering Herd.
Memphis had trailed by two before Williams’ layup. Roburt Sallie added two free throws with six seconds left to provide the final margin.
While this isn’t the dominant Tigers team of past years, a loss to Marshall would have been a big hit to its collective ego. Hassan Whiteside almost delivered the blow single-handedly, going off for 22 points, eight rebounds, and seven blocks. But Memphis showed its grit and determination to prevail, despite abysmal games from Wesley Witherspoon and Doneal Mack, who combined for 17 points but went 5-for 22 from the floor.
