QUEENS, N.Y. (University of Memphis) – Seniors Brittany Carter and Jasmine Lee scored more than 20 points, and the University of Memphis women’s basketball team (9-1) quickly jumped on top of the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters (5-7) in the St. John’s-Chartwell’s Holiday Classic Saturday.
Memphis led 44-29 at the half after the double threat of Jasmine Lee and Brittany Carter each scored 17 points in the opening 20 minutes to help the Tigers weather Louisiana Tech’s transition game and the 10 offensive rebounds that the Lady Techsters put back for eight points. Carter also added three first half blocks to keep slashing La Tech players from getting easy buckets in the paint.
Louisiana Tech tried to use the offensive glass and transition buckets to close within 10 point, 48-38, with 17:58 to play in the second half, but a Ramses Lonlack layup and a Nicole Dickson three pointer kept the Lady Techsters from cutting into the double-digit lead. Then, Lee and Carter poured in jumpers, and a Lonlack triple helped push Memphis back up by as many as 27 points, before the Tigers bench closed out the win, 86-67.
Carter led all players with 24 points and added seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block, while Jasmine Lee added 23 points, seven rebounds and an assist. Ramses Lonlack and Nicole Dickson both finished with 13 points in the win. The Tigers shot 50.8 percent from the field and 74.1 percent from the free-throw line in the win.
Memphis advances to the championship game of the tournament against host St. John's. Sunday's tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. (CT).
