FORT WORTH, Texas – Third-seeded East Carolina defeated No. 2 Memphis, 69-60, in the semifinals of the 2023 American Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Championship Wednesday, March 8 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
 
With the win, the Pirates (22-9) advanced to the championship game and will face No. 4 Houston Thursday, March 9 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on ESPNU and simulcast on ESPN+. It is the first appearance in the American Championship final for both teams.
 
The Pirates made 24 field goals, two more than the Tigers (20-10), while shooting 14 less shots (56-70). ECU shot 42.9 percent for the game compared to Memphis’ 31.4 percent.
 
Memphis cut the Pirate lead to one in the fourth quarter twice, but East Carolina never trailed in the game.
 
Danae McNeal led ECU with 22 points, while Micah Dennis posted 17 points and Synia Johnson added 13.
 
Jamirah Shutes led Memphis with 21 points, while Emani Jefferson recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
 
The latest tournament information can be found online at The American's Championship Central by visiting www.TheAmerican.org/wbb. Tickets for the championship are on sale through Ticketmaster.
 
2023 American Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Championship
 
First Round | Monday, March 6
Game 1: No. 8 Wichita State 71, No. 9 Temple 61
Game 2: No. 10 UCF 69, No. 7 Tulsa 53
Game 3: No. 6 Tulane 61, No. 11 Cincinnati 52
 
Quarterfinals | Tuesday, March 7
Game 4: No. 8 Wichita State 65, No. 1 South Florida 53
Game 5: No. 4 Houston 52, No. 5 SMU 33
Game 6: No. 2 Memphis 48, No. 10 UCF 46
Game 7: No. 3 East Carolina 69, No. 6 Tulane 58
 
Semifinals | Wednesday, March 8
Game 8: No. 4 Houston 72, No. 8 Wichita State 64
Game 9: No. 3 East Carolina 69, No. 2 Memphis 60
 
Final | Thursday, March 9
Game 10: No. 4 Houston vs. No. 3 East Carolina | 9 p.m. ET | ESPNU and ESPN+