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Memphis vs. Ark-Little Rock final score: Tigers finish strong to avoid upset, 73-59

After trailing by 11 in the second half, Memphis got 16 second-half points from Shaq Goodwin in a comeback win.

Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis needed a second-half surge to avoid being upset by Arkansas-Little Rock Friday, invoking its superior athleticism to finish off a 73-59 comeback win. Down seven at the half, the Tigers kickstarted their offense with pick-and-rolls to wear down the Trojans in the final period.

The first 25 minutes of the game were a nightmare for Memphis. Consecutive three-point jumpers by Josh Hagins and Will Neighbour opened up an 11-point lead for Arkansas just minutes into the second half. But it was at this point in the game that Memphis finally got Shaq Goodwin going. The sophomore forward scored 10 points in less than four minutes to thrust the Tigers back into the game.

Three-pointers on consecutive possessions from Chris Crawford gave Memphis its first lead since the opening minute of the game. From there, the Tigers poured it on, notching their seventh win of the season.

Goodwin scored 16 of his 17 points in the second half, with Memphis pulling away in the final minutes. Joe Jackson scored 17 of his own, adding six rebounds and four assists.

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