MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Freshman Emoni Bates scored 15 points and Landers Nolley added 12 to help No. 12 Memphis defeat North Carolina Central 90-51 on Saturday night.
Jalen Duren and Lester Quinones added 10 points each. Duren also had 10 rebounds for the Tigers (2-0), who have won both of their first two games in dominating fashion.
Eric Boone had 11 points to lead the Eagles (0-2), who shot 26.2% and were 3 of 25 from 3-point range — missing all 14 of their 15 long-range shots in the second half. N.C. Central committed 26 turnovers.
Similar to the Tigers' opening win against Tennessee Tech, Memphis controlled the pace and its defense pestered the Eagles up and down the court.
Memphis did have a problem with ballhandling in the first half, fumbling away passes and slowing momentum. Part of that was because North Carolina Central went to a zone defense. But Memphis led throughout the half, the advantage stretching to as many as 22 points.
Memphis would continue adding into the lead in the second half, with defense creating turnovers. The Tigers outscored North Carolina Central 38-10 to start the second half.
BIG PICTURE
North Carolina Central: The Eagles may have given Richmond some concern Tuesday before the Spiders claimed a 70-60 victory, but they never really threatened Memphis. The Eagles' zone defense did cause some issues for the Tiger offense in the first half, allowing a Eagle rally before the break, cutting the lead to 38-23.
Memphis: While there was some sloppy play that would have been an issue with a better team, Memphis' talent overcame the problems.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Memphis’ No. 12 ranking should at least hold into the next poll, and there were not any major losses from the teams in the top 11 slots to result in a major shuffle.
UP NEXT
North Carolina Central: At Iowa on Tuesday night.
Memphis: Host Saint Louis on Tuesday night.
