Memphis Tigers Fall to Wake Forest on Buzzer-Beater
Memphis fans were left stunned as the Tigers suffered a last-second, one-point defeat to Wake Forest, thanks to a miraculous buzzer-beating shot from Myles Colvin. This unexpected outcome unfolded in a game where the Tigers largely dominated, controlling the lead for the vast majority of the contest.
Tigers’ Dominance in the First Half
The Memphis Tigers came out strong, quickly establishing an 11-point lead. Their offense, particularly from beyond the arc, was on fire in the first half, hitting seven three-pointers. Dug McDaniel was a standout, sinking five of his seven attempts from downtown, propelling the Tigers’ early run.
Meanwhile, Wake Forest struggled significantly, with their shooting percentages hovering at an abysmal 28.6% from the field and 26.3% from three-point range in the first half. Despite a brief rally from the Deacs, Memphis maintained control, heading into halftime with a six-point advantage.
Second Half Seesaw: Memphis Fights, Wake Creeps Back
The second half began slowly for both squads, but Memphis continued to hold its ground, fending off Wake Forest’s attempts to take a definitive lead. Even as Wake temporarily edged ahead, sloppy play quickly gave the momentum back to the Tigers, who capitalized on Wake’s 14 total turnovers.
Big threes from Memphis’s Zach Davis helped the Tigers pull away once more, building an 11-point cushion with just seven minutes left on the clock. Hope seemed to be fading for the Deacs, as they struggled to convert opportunities despite crashing the boards aggressively for 15 offensive rebounds.
Heartbreak at the Buzzer
As the game entered its final moments, Memphis held a narrow lead, seemingly on their way to victory. Key free throws from Sebastain Akins tied the game for Wake, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With only seconds remaining, a critical foul by Mekhi Mason sent Dug McDaniel to the line for Memphis, who put the Tigers up by two with 1.5 seconds left.
What followed was pure agony for Memphis fans: an inbound baseball pass, a quick shovel, and Myles Colvin’s improbable three-pointer at the buzzer, snatching victory from the Tigers’ grasp. It was a stunning turnaround that will undoubtedly sting for the Memphis faithful.
Game Overview
| Stat Category | Memphis Tigers | Wake Forest Deacons |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Time | Predominant (approx. 36 minutes) | Brief (3:48 minutes) |
| First Half 3-Pointers | 7 made (Dug McDaniel 5-7) | 26.3% shooting |
| Overall Field Goal % | Stronger than Wake | 38% |
| Total Turnovers | (Not specified, but fewer) | 14 |
Implications for the Tigers
For Memphis, this was a tough pill to swallow. Leading for almost the entire game and then losing on the final possession is a bitter experience. Despite moments of brilliant play, especially their sharpshooting in the first half and building a late double-digit lead, the Tigers couldn’t close it out. This loss highlights the importance of maintaining focus and defensive intensity right down to the final whistle, especially against struggling opponents.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who made the game-winning shot?
Wake Forest guard Myles Colvin hit a three-pointer at the buzzer. - What was the final score?
Wake Forest defeated Memphis 69-68. - How long did Memphis lead in the game?
Memphis led for approximately 36 minutes of the game, with Wake Forest only leading for 3 minutes and 48 seconds. - What were key strengths for Memphis in the game?
The Tigers started strong with excellent three-point shooting in the first half, notably from Dug McDaniel, and maintained a significant lead for most of the game.
While this loss is undoubtedly painful, it’s a stark reminder that every possession counts. The Tigers must regroup and learn from this heartbreak, using the experience to fuel their focus and execution in future close contests.
Memphis Tigers Fall to Wake Forest on Buzzer Beater
