Memphis women’s basketball fades late in 63-58 home loss to Tulane at Elma Roane Fieldhouse

Memphis lets late advantage slip as Tulane closes on decisive 8-0 run

Memphis women’s basketball dropped a 63-58 decision to Tulane on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Elma Roane Fieldhouse, a game that turned in the final minutes after the Tigers carried a late lead into crunch time.

Memphis led by two with 2:14 remaining, but Tulane responded with eight consecutive points to seize control and close out the final possessions. The loss left Memphis at 8-17 overall and 2-10 in American Athletic Conference play, while Tulane improved to 9-16 overall and 4-9 in league action.

Richmond drives Memphis on both ends, including career-high seven steals

Junior guard Daejah Richmond produced the most complete statistical line on the floor for Memphis, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and a career-high seven steals. Richmond scored Memphis’ first 10 points of the opening quarter and connected on five of her first seven shots, providing early stability in a game that featured extended dry spells for both teams.

Momentum swings around halftime and a defensive third quarter

Tulane established a 33-23 cushion with about a minute remaining before halftime, but Memphis closed the half on a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to three at the break. Tamya Smith contributed to the response with a three-point play as the Tigers steadied themselves after offensive lulls earlier in the half.

Memphis’ defense was most effective in the third quarter, holding Tulane scoreless for nearly five minutes and forcing a season-high 24 turnovers in the game. Ten of those turnovers came in the third, helping Memphis take a one-point lead into the fourth quarter despite scoring 17 points in the period.

Fourth-quarter drought sets the stage for Tulane’s closing execution

The Tigers’ offense stalled again as the game moved from the third to the fourth quarter, going roughly six minutes without scoring. Even so, Memphis regained a 56-54 advantage after Richmond scored three baskets during a 7-0 run. Tulane answered quickly, tying the game after its own stretch without a field goal and setting up the late exchange that decided the outcome.

With 1:22 left, Tulane’s CC Mays hit a corner three with five seconds on the shot clock to put the Green Wave ahead by three. Memphis had a chance to draw even on the next possession, but Chaé Harris’ three-point attempt rimmed out.

• Final score: Tulane 63, Memphis 58
• Key late sequence: Tulane 8-0 run after Memphis led with 2:14 remaining
• Standout performance: Daejah Richmond (23 points, 7 steals, 5 rebounds)

Memphis forced 24 turnovers but could not convert late possessions into points after leading in the final three minutes.