LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Little Rock women's basketball team came up just short in a 64-62 battle against Memphis Friday night at the Jack Stephens Center.
"We didn't take care of the ball in the fourth quarter," Little Rock head coach Steve Wiedower said. "We have to be stronger with our possessions and execute down the stretch. We've got a lot of new faces learning to play together, and we'll use this as a chance to grow and get better."
Little Rock (1-1) forced 17 turnovers and recorded 10 steals, using its defensive intensity to control the tempo and frustrate the Tigers for three quarters. The Trojans led by as many as 12 points late in the third before Memphis rallied in the final period to escape with the narrow win.
Jordan Holman led the way with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Alaina Payne totaled 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Taelor Coxford added 7 rebounds to go with 6 points and 2 assists.
Little Rock led 55-46 at halftime and extended its lead in the third quarter, outscoring Memphis 20-17 behind inside production from Destinee Salgado and Taelor Coxford. A late layup by Brenna Burk, assisted by Holman, pushed the lead to 55-44 - the Trojans' largest of the night.
Memphis (1-1) mounted its comeback in the fourth, connecting on key three-pointers and capitalizing on late possessions. Payne's three-point play with 2:36 remaining pulled Little Rock back within one, and Holman's late free throws kept the Trojans within striking distance, but the Tigers held on in the closing seconds.
The Trojans opened strong, overcoming a slow start with an 8-0 first-quarter run sparked by Alaina Payne's layup and capped by a fast-break basket from Jarahle Daniels to take a 17-9 lead. The defensive pressure continued into the second quarter as Mya Cotto drained a three-pointer and Jordan Holman hit clutch free throws to give Little Rock a 35-29 halftime advantage.
The Trojans will have a week off before heading to Jonesboro to play rival Arkansas State on Saturday, Nov. 15. Tip time is 4 p.m.
