By By Ryan Satcher/staff writer
Jan. 19, 2002
HATTIESBURG In a close game, one or two big plays can make the difference between a win and a loss. The same was true in the Golden Eagles' 73-64 loss to the Memphis Tigers on Friday at Reed Green Coliseum.
The turning point of the game came when Southern Miss starter Clement Carter committed two quick fouls to foul out with just under seven minutes left in the game. Memphis also hit the big free throws down the stretch while the Golden Eagles struggled.
With 7:12 left in the game and the visitors up by two points, Carter made a move to the basket and got out of control. Memphis did a nice job of stepping in and taking the charge to give Carter his fourth foul of the game.
Fifteen seconds after getting the charging foul, Carter fouled out while scrambling for a loose ball and Memphis went on a 7-0 run to stretch the lead to nine.
Memphis was able to hold that lead thanks to good free throw shooting down the stretch. After a hitting seven-of-eight free throws in the first half, the Tigers made 20-of-26 in the second half to hold on to the lead. Memphis was led by a 9-of-10 performance by 7-foot junior center Earl Barron.
Southern Miss had the better free throw percentage coming into the game, but struggled down the stretch. The Eagles shot 17-for-27 on the night from the line. Take away the 9-for-11 shooting from Brad Richardson and the Eagles shot just 50 percent from the line.