Memphis defense shuts down Oral Roberts late for 78-63 win

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Austin Nichols scored 15 points, had a career-best eight blocked shots and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Memphis to a 78-63 victory over Oral Roberts on Saturday.

Memphis had 15 blocked shots to tie a single-game record.

Pookie Powell, who had seven assists, added 14 points while Trahson Burrell contributed 12 and Avery Woodson chipped in 10 for Memphis (6-4).

The Tigers held a 35-28 halftime advantage and were up 54-44 midway through the second half when Darian Harris nailed a 3-pointer and Korey Billbury had two straight layups to cut the lead to 56-51 with 8:33 left. The Memphis defense then shut down the Golden Eagles, allowing only a free throw, while scoring 13 to lead 69-52 with 2:41 left.

Billbury finished with 21 points while Albert Owens and Obi Emegano had 10 apiece for ORU (4-6).