Thirty-two point blowouts are confidence-builders in the world of college basketball, as long as you’re on the right side of the score. (On the wrong side, and they’re lucrative public spankings.) The Tigers’ dismantling of UCA tonight should help in a few areas.
Memphis hit 12 of 24 three-point shots, including three of five from sharpshooter Roburt Sallie, who had missed 13 of his first 14 long-distance attempts of the season. “I knew it would come,” he said after the game. “I got some lucky bounces today, and that may help me get out of [the slump]. I’m grateful.” Elliot Williams drained four treys and led the Tigers in scoring for the fourth straight game with 20 points. He also dished out eight assists with but a single turnover.
“We’re gaining confidence,” said center Pierre Henderson-Niles. “It just takes time. We’ve got to get on the same page. If we come together, and can stay together, we’re gonna be a helluva team to beat.” Henderson-Niles had the biggest smile of the night after making a free throw late in the second half (he’s three for eight for the season), but with a single rebound — to match his point total — the big senior’s impact could best be described as intangible.
