Memphis, Tenn. – Shooting was nearly even, but Memphis out-rebounded UIW men's basketball, 45-31, and held an 18-5 lead in second-chance points as the Cardinals fell to the host Tigers, 95-71, Wednesday evening from FedEx Forum.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Down by nine early, the Cardinals started to heat it up on the offensive end and eventually cut the Tigers' lead to one possession, 23-20, with 8:17 left in the first half. But an 11-0 Memphis run – highlighted by consecutive four-point and three-point plays – bumped the Tigers lead to 34-20 with 5:53 to go.

Sam Burmeister hit a three-pointer in the second half, as he finished with 10 points. Myles Thornton registered his first collegiate steal, as he finished with a rebound in two minutes. Miles Banks played in a career high 19 minutes, finishing with two rebounds and a blocked shot.

LEADERS

Jalin Hart scored a team-best 18 points to lead five Cardinals in double figures. Both Simi Socks and Shawn Johnson scored 13 points, Tyler Singleton added 12, and Burmeister chipped in with 10. The Cardinals shot 45 percent from the floor.

Dedric Lawson again paced the Memphis offense with 25 points, while Keon Clergeot scored 23 and K.J. Lawson dropped 20. The Tigers shot 46 percent from the floor.

QUOTES

Opening statement from head coach Ken Burmeister:
"I think the travel and losing a couple of close games really affected us mentally. With Memphis being really on another level, very well coached, very sound; they just took it at us. Players with their ball fakes, pump fakes, our guys left their feet, which is uncharacteristic. We made some fouls on some jump shots, which is uncharacteristic. The travel and playing big-time programs has really caught up with us. We'll come back, guys will have a couple of days for Christmas. Memphis has got a great coach, a great staff, some great players and it showed tonight. They're in another class."

Burmeister on playing against a team like Memphis:
"I'm not sure playing a game like this helps you because we didn't get much confidence. We have signs, but it's Division I. Guys have to learn big-time basketball and Memphis is a big-time program. Possessions, they brought it at us. They rebounded the second shots. They're stronger, bigger, and they did everything very consistent. They know basketball and we're learning basketball."

UP NEXT

UIW takes a week off for Christmas before opening Southland Conference play at Nicholls on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 3 p.m.

STAY TUNED

After playing at Southeastern Louisiana on Jan. 2, the Cardinals host Northwestern State on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

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