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MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The University of Cincinnati men's basketball team dropped a 63-50 decision at Memphis on Thursday night at the FedExForum.
The defeat dropped the Bearcats to 11-5 and 2-2 in the American Athletic Conference, with the two league defeats having come on the road to UConn and now to Memphis. The Tigers improved to 10-6 and 3-2 in the league.
Troy Caupain (Midlothian, Va./Cosby) led the UC effort with 14 points. Deshaun Morman (Richmond, Va./Faith Baptist Christian (Fla.)) added 11 points off the bench and Gary Clark (Clayton, N.C./Clayton) contributed seven points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
Memphis was led by 17 points from Austin Nichols. Avery Woodson added 14 points and Kedren Johnson scored 13 points and added five assists off the bench for the Tigers.
Defense was the difference maker in the contest for Memphis. The Tigers forced UC into 20 turnovers and converted those miscues to the tune of 20 points. Memphis also held the Bearcats to 39.1 percent shooting from the floor.
Cincinnati associate head coach Larry Davis felt that while defense was key for Memphis, the lack of defense from the Bearcats was just as damaging.
"It's simple," said Davis. "You turn the ball over 20 times; you are not going to win. You can't give up 20 possessions where you don't get a shot up and probably four or five of those were easy layups, something that we can't guard. Then we gave up a total of 17 layups, either offensive or defensive rebounds or post shots. They only scored 63 points. They should've scored only 45 on us, if we are doing what we're supposed to do."
The Bearcats return home to host Temple at Fifth Third Arena on Saturday, Jan. 17. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and fans are being asked to Stripe the Stands (click here for more info). For tickets to that and all remaining games, visit BearcatsBasketball.com or call 1-877-CATS-TIX.