Memphis, TN (Sports Network) – Tarik Black scored 16 points, leading four players in double figures, as the Memphis Tigers delivered a 69-58 win over the Houston Cougars in Conference USA action at FedExForum.
Wesley Witherspoon contributed 13 points, seven rebounds and three steals off the bench for the Tigers (21-7, 9-4 C-USA) as they won for the fifth time in six games. Charles Carmouche contributed 12 points and eight rebounds and Antonio Barton 10 points for the victors as well.
The Cougars (12-14, 4-9) were paced by Alandise Harris with his 16 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while Maurice McNeil and Zamal Nixon both tacked on 11 points in the team’s third straight setback and the eighth in nine tries.
Houston shot a mere 37.5 percent from the field in the first half, compared to 54.2 percent for the hosts as the Tigers moved out to a 38-32 lead at the break after trailing by six points at the 9:12 mark of the period.
In the second half it was Memphis that struggled from the floor (9-of-25), but the team managed to remain in front by converting 10-of-12 attempts at the charity stripe, en route to the 11-point win.
In a game that saw six ties and 10 lead changes, Houston shot just 39.6 percent from the floor and turned the ball over 16 times on the road.