MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a game defined by relentless defensive pressure and offensive struggles, the Tulane women’s basketball team secured a narrow 63-58 victory over Memphis in an American Athletic Conference matchup Tuesday night at FedExForum.

The contest, played before an announced crowd of 554, saw both teams combine for 36 turnovers and shoot a collective 4 for 32 from three-point range. Tulane ultimately prevailed by capitalizing at the free-throw line and weathering a standout individual performance from Memphis guard Daejah Richmond.

The most critical sequence unfolded in the final 15 seconds. Holding a 59-56 lead, Tulane’s Kanija Daniel was fouled and calmly sank two free throws with 12 seconds remaining to extend the advantage to five. After a Memphis timeout, the Tigers’ Daejah Richmond missed a desperate three-pointer. Tulane’s CC Mays secured the defensive rebound, was fouled, and made both ensuing free throws with seven seconds left to seal the outcome, effectively extinguishing Memphis’s last hope.

Richmond, a guard from Cordova, Tennessee, was the engine for Memphis, finishing with a game-high 23 points to go with three assists, two blocks and a disruptive five steals in 38 minutes. Her efforts kept the Tigers within striking distance throughout the night. Tamya Smith added seven points, two assists, a block and two steals for Memphis.

Tulane countered with a more balanced scoring effort. Amira Mabry led the Green Wave with 13 points, while Kanija Daniel of Carrollton, Georgia, contributed 12 points and two blocks. Jayda Brown from Atlanta, Georgia, added 11 points and two assists. Guard Shiloh Kimpson facilitated the offense with a game-high seven assists.

Statistically, the game was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. Tulane shot 42.9% from the field but committed 23 turnovers. Memphis, hampered by a 2-for-20 performance from beyond the arc, shot 40% overall and turned the ball over 13 times. The Green Wave’s decisive edge came at the charity stripe, where they made 17 of 23 attempts compared to Memphis’s 8 of 17.

Memphis held advantages in assists (15-4) and steals (15-4), using its defensive activity to generate transition opportunities. However, the Tigers’ inability to convert from long distance and the free-throw line proved costly in the closing minutes.

Tulane established an early lead, ending the first quarter ahead 14-13 and extending it to 33-30 at halftime. Memphis battled back to tie the game at 47-47 by the end of the third quarter, setting the stage for a tense final period. The fourth quarter featured five ties and three lead changes before Tulane executed down the stretch to secure the win.

With the victory, Tulane improved its season record to 9-15 overall. Memphis fell to 8-17. The two teams are scheduled for a quick rematch in New Orleans on Thursday.

The game was a defensive grind from the opening tip, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. The pivotal final minutes highlighted Tulane’s ability to handle pressure and make crucial free throws, while Memphis’s offensive limitations, particularly from three-point range, ultimately hindered its comeback attempt.