Herd outlasts Hustle in high scoring affair
Photo: Eric Dixon (13) of the Memphis Hustle battles Wisconsin defenders in the second half of Friday night’s 134-126 loss to the Herd. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
Key Points
- Wisconsin Herd defeated the Memphis Hustle 134-126 at the Landers Center on Friday night.
- Cormac Ryan led all scorers with 28 points, shooting 46.7 percent from the floor to power the Herd’s offense.
- Eric Dixon paced the Hustle with 28 points, while Tyler Burton added 23 in the hard-fought loss.
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – Despite a resilient second-half comeback, the Memphis Hustle could not overcome a shaky start and the scoring prowess of Cormac Ryan, falling 134-126 to the Wisconsin Herd at the Landers Center on Friday night.
Wisconsin (8-18) established dominance early, outscoring Memphis 36-23 in the opening quarter. Ryan was the primary catalyst, finishing with a game-high 28 points. Hustle coach Rob Sanicola noted that Ryan’s presence was the “difference right there,” citing his ability to put immense pressure on the defense.
The Hustle (5-20) clawed back in the third quarter, outscoring the Herd 33-23 to briefly take a one-point lead. Sanicola credited this turnaround to improved offensive execution, which limited Wisconsin’s transition opportunities. Eric Dixon led the Memphis effort with 28 points, while Tyler Burton contributed 23 points and nine rebounds.
However, the Herd regained control in the final frame, puting up 41 points to seal the victory. Mark Sears provided a significant boost for the visitors with 30 points and 12 assists, while Kira Lewis Jr. added 20 points off the bench.
“Giving up 134 is going to be hard to win in this league,” Sanicola said, expressing disappointment in the defensive lapses. He praised his team’s character, noting they have fought to “dig out of the hole” all season.
The Hustle shot 41.4 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from beyond the arc. Memphis saw four starters reach double figures, but Wisconsin’s 58.8 percent shooting proved too much to overcome.
