MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Happy early birthday, Tigers head coach Melissa McFerrin!
Her University of Memphis squad gave her quite possibly the best present, an 81-75 non-conference victory over Big Ten Conference foe Illinois at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse Saturday. McFerrin celebrates her actual birthday Sunday, Dec. 20.
The win gives Memphis a 6-5 record heading into American Athletic Conference play after the Christmas break. The Tigers return to action Dec. 30 with their league opener at Temple. With the loss, Illinois falls to 7-2.
Tigers senior Ariel Hearn led the charge with a terrific all-around performance of 29 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two blocked shots and five steals.