SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Memphis ended its trip to the Bad Boy Mowers Crossover Classic with a 70-59 loss to Virginia Commonwealth on Friday night at the Sanford Pentagon.
Memphis (1-2) shot just 35% from the field and 26% from 3-point range while VCU (2-1) shot 44% and connected on 21 of its 27 free-throw attempts.
"We are not there yet, but we're going to get there," Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway said. "We have been working so hard. Everyone is buying in. We have no selfish players on the offensive end, and we should be one of the better defensive teams in the country. We get in this tournament and things go south, but now you have to learn from it."
Free-throws, bench hurt Tigers
For a second-straight game, Memphis' opponent dominated the free-throw battle as the Rams made 21 of their 27 attempts with the Tigers making 13 of 18 at the line. VCU's consistent ability to get to the free-throw line allowed them to lead for 32:17 in the game.
In Thursday's loss to WKU, Memphis committed 23 personal fouls, allowing the Hilltoppers to shoot 13 more free throws than the Tigers. WKU made 19 of its 24 attempts at the free-throw line, while Memphis shot 54.5% (6-11) from the line.
The Rams' bench was also key to their victory, outscoring the Tigers' bench 38-21. VCU forward Vince Williams Jr. led the Rams with 15 points off the bench, making three of his five 3-point attempts.
Ellis leads Tiger scoring in S.D.
Sophomore guard Boogie Ellis led Memphis with 48 points over three games in South Dakota. He scored 10 on Friday against VCU after scoring a career-high 24 against Saint Mary's in the first round and 14 against Western Kentucky in the semifinals.
Tigers vs. Rams history
Friday marked the second-ever matchup between the Tigers and Rams. VCU is now 2-0 in the series after also winning the first contest 78-65 over then-No. 19 Memphis on Nov. 22, 2012, in the Battle 4 Atlantis from Nassau, Bahamas. The Rams were a Final Four team the previous season.
Up next
Memphis will have its home opener Wednesday, Dec. 2, against Arkansas State at the FedExForum. The Red Wolves opened their season Friday with a 70-56 loss at Marshall. Memphis holds a 12-4 advantage in the all-time series with Arkansas State, including winning the past six matchups. The teams last met Dec. 1, 2010, a 78-71 overtime victory for the Tigers.
"Let's go back home, learn from what we faced and get better," Hardaway said. "We're only going to get better as the season goes on."
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Memphis Basketball drops final game in South Dakota to VCU - Memphis Official Athletic Site
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