The Memphis Tigers have won the Conference USA championship, completing a stunning rally to defeat UTEP, 67-66, on the Miners' home court to win a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Conference USA Tournament 2011: Memphis Rallies To Stun UTEP In Championship Game
The Tigers took their only lead of the game with 7.8 seconds left on two free throws by Joe Jackson, and the Miners blew two chances to take the lead back. They advanced the ball up the floor, but Jeremy Williams dropped a pass that would have led to an easy layup. Memphis tipped it out with 2.5 seconds left, but the best shot UTEP could get on the out of bounds play was a fadeaway contested jumper by Christian Polk that fell short.
UTEP led for most of the game, taking a 62-50 lead after two three-pointer by Polk, but Memphis rallied to score 17 of the last 21 points of the game. Memphis had a chance to take the lead earlier, but Tarik Black missed two free throws with a minute left. The Miners couldn't score on the ensuing possession, setting up the final play.
Memphis was a bubble team had it lost, so the win comes as a huge relief to bubble teams everywhere. UTEP falls to 25-9 and is likely heading to the NIT.
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