MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Memphis Tigers used a stifling defensive effort to defeat the Charlotte 49ers 77-54 in an American Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Sunday at FedExForum.

Memphis held Charlotte to just 17 first-half points, building a 20-point lead by halftime and never relenting. Julius Thedford led the Tigers with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Aaron Bradshaw added a game-high 16 points. The 49ers, who shot poorly throughout, were paced by Arden Conyers’ 14 points. Attendance was 9,147. Memphis improved to 12-11 overall, while Charlotte fell to 13-11.