Reserve Powell rallies Tigers

Forward has first double-double

MEMPHIS WOMEN 64, SAMFORD 48

Junior forward Courtney Powell came off the bench and posted her first career double- double in the University of Memphis women’s basketball team’s 64- 48 win over Samford on Sunday at Elma Roane Fieldhouse.

Powell finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds, both career highs, for the Tigers (2- 0).

“We have always really liked Courtney’s energy,” U of M coach Melissa McFerrin said. “We just needed to channel it in the right direction. Tonight, it turned into points and rebounds instead of fouls.

“Courtney has accepted her role. We challenged her this week to get two rebounds every time she goes in, and she did that tonight. We also challenged her to not let her player touch the basketball, and that didn’t happen tonight either.”

The Bulldogs took a 5- 0 lead and made six of their first 10 shots. Memphis freshman Cheyenne Creighton made her first collegiate 3-pointer with 9: 31 left in the half, giving Memphis its first lead at 18-17. The Tigers led at halftime, 31-28.

Memphis turned up the defensive energy in the second half, holding Samford to six points in the opening seven minutes.

Junior guard Ariel Hearn scored her first points of game to start an 11- 0 run that extended Memphis’ lead to 42-33 at the 15:32 mark.

The Bulldogs cut the margin to 56- 48, but Breigha Wilder- Cochran made two free throws, then a 3-pointer to put the Tigers back in command.

Mooriah Rowser led Memphis with 18 points, including 7-of-9 shooting from the free-throw line. Wilder- Cochran finished with 12 points and six rebounds.

Taylor Reece led Samford (0-1) with 16 points, and Destiney Elliott added 12.

Memphis will face a pair of Big Ten opponents this week, starting with a Thursday night game at Illinois. The Tigers host Minnesota at 2 p.m. Sunday.