Memphis Basketball Recap: Tigers step it up at half to rout Lamar 87-62

CUSA-fans.com has a new staff of team correspondents this season to help bring you, the fan, more detailed Conference USA sports coverage. Today, our Memphis correspondent brings a recap of the Memphis vs. Lamar basketball game.

Former Memphis assistant coach Steve Roccaforte returned to the sidelines of the FedEx Forum in front of an announced crowd of 16,154 hoping to coach his Lamar Cardinals to an upset of the #22 ranked Tigers. However, the Cards first win over a top 25 opponent since 1985 proved elusive once again.

Lamar contended during the first half — trailing just 38-28 at the break — but Memphis came out swinging in the second to finish with a 25- point win.

Five Tigers climbed into double digit scoring: Chris Douglas-Roberts led with 19, followed by Robert Dozier, 13; Jeremy Hunt, 12; Kareem Cooper, 12; and Joey Dorsey, 11. Memphis forced 15 steals and outrebounded the Cardinals 46-43. The Tigers struggles beyond the arch continued as they went 6-19 for the night.

Roccaforte’s Cardinals never gave up the fight, and were led in points by James Davis,20; Currye Todd, 13; and Brandon Chappell, 10.

The win extends Memphis’ home winning streak to fourth in the nation at 21.

The Tigers return to action on Thursday, January 4th, when they welcome former Conference USA and current Big East member Cincinnati to the FedEx Forum.