MEMPHIS – A fast 17-2 start fueled Charlotte Women’s Basketball’s win on the road at Memphis on Wednesday, outlasting the Tigers 67-59 in American Athletic Conference play.
COACH’S CORNER
“I’m proud of our girls for continuing to fight,” said Head Coach Tomekia Reed. “We were unbothered when faced with adversity. When Memphis made their run, we stayed composed and focused on the plan. Our resilience is what won us the game tonight.”
FAST START
The 49ers jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter. After Memphis scored the opening basket, Charlotte responded with a 17-0 scoring run fueled by efficient shooting. CLT made eight of their 17 field goal attempts in the quarter, including three shots from behind the arc with two of them from Alexis Andrews. At the end of one, Charlotte led 19 to eight.
Memphis settled down in the second quarter, trading baskets back and forth with Charlotte to stay in the game. The Tigers trimmed the deficit by two in the quarter (15-13) as the 49ers went into halftime up 32-23. Aanaya Harris helped maintain the lead for Charlotte by contributing nine points and five rebounds in the second quarter alone.
FREE THROW DISPARITY
Attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line helped get Memphis back into the game. 10 of Memphis’ 20 points in the third quarter came from the charity stripe meanwhile Charlotte made three of their four attempts. The Charlotte advantage was cut to just two at 45-43 going into the final quarter.
CLOSING OUT
In an effort to close the game out and hold off the Memphis rally, Charlotte responded by getting the ball inside to Keanna Rembert. The post player scored seven of her 17 points in the fourth quarter, and 13 of the 17 in the second half. Charlotte made 12 of their 16 free throws in the closing stages to seal the 67-59 victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Aanaya Harris was the story of the game for the Charlotte 49ers, playing a season high 21 minutes and notching a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
“Naya was outstanding for us tonight,” said Reed. “We are all so proud of her. Coming from the Big East in Xavier, she brought that toughness and high level of basketball to the court. Despite not getting consistent playing time throughout this season, she kept working and was ready for the challenge tonight.”
Four Niners scored in double figures led by Rembert’s 17. Harris (11), Andrews (11), and Hayleigh Breland (10) all scored double digits. Charlotte outrebounded Memphis 46 to 38, led by Harris’ 10 offensive rebounds. Jayla Kelly also grabbed 10 rebounds paired with four points. Kay Kay Green paced the offense with eight points and six assists.
“Kay Kay plays smart,” said Reed. “She understands she needs to be solid in facilitating the offense in order for the team to have success.”