Jackson State vs. Memphis: Could Become a Great Rivalry in Women's Basketball

The soldout Elma Roane Fieldhouse was treated to what could become a great rivalry in women's basketball.

Kyle T. Mosley | Mar 17, 2023

Jackson State vs. Memphis: Could Become a Great Rivalry in Women's Basketball /

The soldout Elma Roane Fieldhouse witnessed an intense, competitive, and contentious battle between the Jackson State Lady Tigers and Memphis Lady Tigers in the first round of the 2023 WNIT.

Memphis soundly defeated Jackson State, 79-69. Still, this matchup has the makings to become an intense rivalry as long as coaches Tomekia Reed (JSU) and Katrina Merriweather (MU) lead these squads.

Memphis' Jamirah Shutes led all scorers with 24 points, but her postgame comments on ESPN were a sign that these teams have bad blood. "This team came in here and wanted to tear up ______!" She didn't hold back her thoughts, nor did the PA announcers and fans.

During a timeout as Jackson State trailed in the fourth period, the PA blasted "Whoop That Trick" from the Hustle & Flow soundtrack, centered around the Memphis hip-hop scene. Shutes and her teammates danced to the song to make matters worse.

Tempers began to flare before Daja Woodard (2 Technical Fouls) and Jada Wright (1 Technical, Pushed Woodard) were tossed from the contest with seconds on the clock.

Out of four attempts, the Jackson State Lady Tigers have never beaten the Memphis Lady Tigers. We could see the two battling on the court next season. Hopefully, Tomekia Reed would remain with Jackson State long enough to make it happen.

The reality is apparent: Reed and Merriweather are excellent coaches and may have choices. Should they stay, expect a passionate and highly competitive rivalry between the two programs. It would be more than worth seeing it in person.

WNIT Game Statistics

JSU Leaders

Daja Woodard - 15 pts, 2 blocks,
Ti'lan Boler - 13 pts
Angel Jackson - 12 pts, 3 blocks, 11 rebounds
Daphne White - 12 pts

Memphis Leaders

Jamirah Shutes - 24 pts, 3 steals, 5 assists
Madison Griggs - 15 pts, 5 rebounds
Emani Jefferson - 14 pts, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
Destiny Thomas - 8 pts, 7 rebounds, 1 block

Other Numbers

Points in Paint: JSU - 40, MEM - 22
Points off turnovers: JSU - 8, MEM - 9
Fast Break Points: JSU -5, MEM - 11
Bench Points: JSU - 16, MEM - 15
Second Chance Points: JSU - 22, MEM - 22

Published Mar 17, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: