Clutch free throws lead to one-point win over VCU

It was a back-and-forth game on Saturday between Memphis and VCU, and despite trailing for more than 31 minutes of game-time, the Tigers came up with stops and hit free throws late to secure an 89-88 win.

Memphis started the game with a ton of energy, and it was getting the job done on both ends of the court. The Tigers forced back-to-back turnovers to start the game, but they couldn’t convert on their first couple shots.

After the Rams got the first points of the game on a three-pointer, Memphis went on a 9-0 run to take an early 9-3 lead.

About four minutes into the game, the three-point barrage began from VCU. The Rams made four straight three-pointers to take a three-point lead with 12:28 left in the first half. 

Those were four of the 10 three-pointers the Phil Martelli Jr.’s team made in the first half. VCU did an excellent job finding the open man, and at times during the first 20 minutes, it felt like it couldn’t miss a shot from deep.

The Tigers even turned to a zone late in the first half, but the Rams were still finding the open man. VCU recorded 12 assists in the first half to go with six offensive rebounds that they turned into five second-chance points.

Despite the 58.8 percent that the Rams shot from deep in the first half, Memphis only trailed by four at the half. The Tigers shot 50 percent from the field and turned Martelli’s team over seven times.

Jayden Reid got out to a strong start, and he led the team with 15 points in the first half.

The two teams traded baskets to start the second half, and the Tigers cut the lead to one following a 10-4 run.

Fouls became a big issue for Memphis in the second half, and the Rams entered the bonus with 11:38 left in the game. Fouls became an issue on both sides, and there were 31 fouls called over the final 20 minutes.

With so many fouls being called, free throws played a huge role in the outcome. The Rams were solid at the line making 85.2 percent of their free throws, while the Tigers struggled, shooting 65.8 percent. 

While they didn’t shoot the ball well at the line, Reid came up clutch when his team needed him.

After a little more back and forth, Memphis trailed by one with about 18 seconds left in the game. Reid took the inbounds pass and drew a foul with 5 seconds remaining.

He made both free throws, and VCU couldn’t answer before the final buzzer went off.

Memphis shot 50 percent from the field and 45 percent from deep, making 10 triples. Reid led the team with 32 points, and he added seven assists and three steals.

Tylik Weeks and Rihards Vavers both added 17 points. 

On the other side, the Rams shot 48.1 percent from the field and 54.2 percent from deep. They recorded 19 assists but lost the rebounding battle 30-28.

Blake Harper led the team with 22 points, while Ahmad Nowell added 17 points and seven rebounds.

Memphis returns to action on Tuesday for a road game against No. 24 Vanderbilt.