The University of Memphis women's basketball squad began their season against the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes early Monday with am 89-78 win.
First Half
The game featured nearly 1,000 elementary and middle school-aged kids from neighborhood area schools in what turned out to be a raucous crowd.
In a first quarter dominated by senior forward Hannah Riddick (7 points, 7 rebounds), the Tigers jumped out to a hard-fought 19-14 lead.
Thus, the theme of Riddick's dominance was set, as she finished the half with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Tigers only had 11 players dressed and ready to go; all 11 saw the court in the first half.
Additionally, Ole Miss transfer Elauna Eaton, who came off the bench for Memphis, showed out in the second quarter, going 3/4 from the field for 8 points, along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists
At the break, the Tigers led 48-32.
Second Half:
The Devilettes began the second half with a run of their own, bringing it to a single-digit contest led by Sh'Diamond McKnight's team-high 22 points.
Unsurprisingly, Riddick continued her big day, totaling 26 points and 17 rebounds through three quarters.
Throughout the entire second half, the game teetered around the 8-15 point range as Memphis played well enough to maintain a lead but not well enough to put the game away.
In the end, Memphis managed to win 89-78 through physicality and discipline, as Mississippi Valley State had five players with at least four fouls.
Standouts:
Hannah Riddick: 26 points, 17 rebounds
Elauna Eaton: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Tanyuel Welch: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 turnovers
