Memphis secured a narrow 96-95 overtime victory against Tulane on Sunday at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse, ensuring the Tigers a place in the American Conference Tournament. The win ended a seven-game losing streak for Memphis and confirmed their position as the No. 8 seed in the tournament, where they will face No. 9 Tulane again on Wednesday night in Birmingham.
Berry led Memphis with 22 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and making eight of ten free throws, including two decisive shots with 2.3 seconds left in overtime that gave Memphis the lead for good. He also contributed three rebounds and three assists during his season-high 38 minutes on the court.
Another key contributor added 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists over a season-high 45 minutes, scoring most of his points after halftime. Off the bench, one player recorded his best game of the season with 17 points, four rebounds, and three blocks.
Tulane held an early advantage, leading by nine at halftime after building an eleven-point cushion in the first half. Memphis responded strongly after halftime and took its first lead midway through the second period before establishing what seemed to be a secure nine-point edge late in regulation.
However, Tulane mounted a comeback behind Rowan Brumbaugh’s performance—he finished with a game-high 31 points—and forced overtime when KJ Green tied it at 81 with thirteen seconds left. In overtime, both teams traded leads until Berry’s free throws sealed Memphis’ win after Brumbaugh briefly put Tulane ahead.
The Tigers finished with fifteen assists on thirty-two made field goals and shot above fifty percent from the floor for just the sixth time this season. They also won the rebounding battle by nine boards and received significant contributions from their bench players.
Memphis will play Tulane again in three days to open tournament play at Legacy Arena in Birmingham.
