LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities and a dramatic final possession, the Memphis women’s basketball team edged Arkansas-Little Rock 64-62 on Friday night at Jack Stephens Center.

The Tigers, who evened their record at 1-1, survived a late scare when the Trojans’ Jordan Holman missed a potential game-winning jump shot with three seconds remaining. Alaina Payne secured the offensive rebound for Arkansas-Little Rock but could not get a final shot off before the buzzer, sealing the victory for Memphis.

The game was a tale of two halves, and ultimately, a tale of the final quarter. Arkansas-Little Rock, also now 1-1, appeared to seize control in the third quarter, outscoring Memphis 20-17 to take a 55-46 lead into the final period. The Trojans’ momentum, however, evaporated in the fourth, where they managed only seven points on 2-of-12 shooting from the floor.

Memphis mounted its comeback with stifling defense and key contributions from its backcourt. The Tigers opened the fourth quarter on an 11-0 run, capped by a Brooklyn Alexander 3-pointer from an assist by Cori Allen, to take a 57-55 lead with 9:03 remaining, their first advantage since the opening minutes.

The teams traded blows in a tense final stretch. With Memphis clinging to a 61-60 lead, Chaé Harris delivered a crucial 3-pointer with 13 seconds left, assisted by Daejah Richmond, to push the lead to four. Holman was fouled on the ensuing possession and made both free throws to bring the Trojans back within two with 12 seconds on the clock. After a Memphis turnover, Arkansas-Little Rock had one last chance, but Holman’s contested jumper from the elbow missed the mark.

The contest was characterized by inefficiency on both ends. Memphis scored 64 points on 75 possessions for an offensive rating of 85.8, while Arkansas-Little Rock was even less efficient, posting a 76.7 offensive rating with 62 points on 81 possessions. Both teams struggled mightily from the free-throw line; Memphis shot a dismal 6 for 16, while the Trojans were only marginally better at 16 for 25.

The Tigers compensated with superior work on the glass and by forcing turnovers. Memphis out-rebounded the Trojans 48-35 overall and grabbed 14 offensive boards, leading to 14 second-chance points. Defensively, the Tigers forced 20 Arkansas-Little Rock turnovers, converting them into 20 points, while committing 15 turnovers of their own.

Daejah Richmond led Memphis with 16 points, adding three assists and two blocks. Chaé Harris provided a critical scoring punch with 13 points, including the late 3-pointer, and Paris Gaines anchored the interior defense with two blocks to go with 10 points. For the Tigers, Brooklyn Alexander and Kennedi Alexander each contributed key minutes off the bench, combining for 13 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.

Arkansas-Little Rock was led by Jordan Holman’s game-high 17 points, though she committed six turnovers. Alaina Payne facilitated the offense with a team-high four assists and added 12 points, while Mya Cotto chipped in 10 points off the bench.

The game began sluggishly for Memphis, which managed only nine points in the first quarter and trailed 17-9. The Tigers found their rhythm in the second quarter, exploding for 20 points to narrow the gap and enter halftime down just 35-29.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Arkansas-Little Rock entered the game as a slight favorite with a 56.90 percent probability to win. The announced attendance at the Jack Stephens Center was 632.

Memphis looks to build on the road victory when it travels to face South Alabama on Tuesday. Arkansas-Little Rock will prepare for a crosstown showdown at Arkansas State on Nov. 15.