FORT WORTH, Texas – No. 7 Memphis used stifling defense to defeat No. 10 East Carolina, 59-48, in the second game of the 2022 Air Force Reserve American Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Championship Monday, March 7 at Dickies Arena.
 
With the win, the Tigers advance to play No. 2 South Florida in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT on ESPN+.
 
Memphis (16-11) limited East Carolina (11-18) to 28.1 percent shooting from the field (18-64) and one 3-point field goal (1-14). The Tigers shot 37.3 percent from the field (22-59).
 
The Tigers jumped out to a good start, limiting the Pirates to three field goals on the way to a 20-9 lead after the first quarter. East Carolina started the second quarter with an 11-0 run before Memphis countered with a 10-2 run of its own. The Tigers took a 36-23 lead into halftime. In the fourth, the Tigers’ extended their lead its largest of 18 at 56-38.
 
Jamirah Shutes led all scorers with 16 points for Memphis, while Tyler Frierson almost had a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds that went along with five blocks.
 
Taniyah Thompson scored 14 points to lead the Pirates.
 
It was the first time the two teams have met in the Championship.