Jackson State vs. Memphis: Could Become a Great Rivalry in Women's Basketball
The soldout Elma Roane Fieldhouse witnessed an intense, competitive, and contentious battle between the Jackson State Lady Tigers and Memphis Lady Tigers in the first round of the 2023 WNIT.
Memphis soundly defeated Jackson State, 79-69. Still, this matchup has the makings to become an intense rivalry as long as coaches Tomekia Reed (JSU) and Katrina Merriweather (MU) lead these squads.
Memphis' Jamirah Shutes led all scorers with 24 points, but her postgame comments on ESPN were a sign that these teams have bad blood. "This team came in here and wanted to tear up ______!" She didn't hold back her thoughts, nor did the PA announcers and fans.
During a timeout as Jackson State trailed in the fourth period, the PA blasted "Whoop That Trick" from the Hustle & Flow soundtrack, centered around the Memphis hip-hop scene. Shutes and her teammates danced to the song to make matters worse.
JSU vs. Memphis WNIT Game
Tempers began to flare before Daja Woodard (2 Technical Fouls) and Jada Wright (1 Technical, Pushed Woodard) were tossed from the contest with seconds on the clock.
Out of four attempts, the Jackson State Lady Tigers have never beaten the Memphis Lady Tigers. We could see the two battling on the court next season. Hopefully, Tomekia Reed would remain with Jackson State long enough to make it happen.
The reality is apparent: Reed and Merriweather are excellent coaches and may have choices. Should they stay, expect a passionate and highly competitive rivalry between the two programs. It would be more than worth seeing it in person.
WNIT Game Statistics
JSU Leaders
- Daja Woodard - 15 pts, 2 blocks,
- Ti'lan Boler - 13 pts
- Angel Jackson - 12 pts, 3 blocks, 11 rebounds
- Daphne White - 12 pts
Memphis Leaders
- Jamirah Shutes - 24 pts, 3 steals, 5 assists
- Madison Griggs - 15 pts, 5 rebounds
- Emani Jefferson - 14 pts, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
- Destiny Thomas - 8 pts, 7 rebounds, 1 block
Other Numbers
- Points in Paint: JSU - 40, MEM - 22
- Points off turnovers: JSU - 8, MEM - 9
- Fast Break Points: JSU -5, MEM - 11
- Bench Points: JSU - 16, MEM - 15
- Second Chance Points: JSU - 22, MEM - 22