Emoni Bates leads Memphis basketball to scrappy, at times disjointed win

Emoni Bates scored 15 points and the Memphis basketball team scrapped its way to a 90-51 win Saturday.

At times disjointed and often testy — North Carolina Central coach LeVelle Moton and Memphis star freshman Jalen Duren each picked up technical fouls in the second half — the Tigers got enough contributions from their stars and capitalized on enough miscues to come away with a decisive victory. The game also featured the first career double-double for Duren, who finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Landers Nolley II added 12 points, while Tyler Harris contributed 11.

Memphis (2-0) returns to the court against Saint Louis on Tuesday (7 p.m., ESPN+) at FedExForum.

Here are five takeaways from Saturday's game.

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Emoni Bates provides the first spark

The Tigers' superstar freshman is a highlight waiting to happen.

Bates, a 6-foot-9 wing, led Memphis with 17 points in his collegiate debut against Tennessee Tech on Tuesday. He did the bulk of his damage from the 3-point line, hitting 4 of 7 attempts.

On Saturday, it was Bates' finishing ability that gave Memphis a spark. With the Tigers up 15-7 with under 12 minutes left in the first half, Bates brought the ball up the floor, measured his defender, crossed him over then darted for the basket.

Once he got there, Bates threw down a one-handed dunk that brought almost all of FedExForum to its feet. Even Hardaway's adrenaline pumped a little harder, as he walked onto the court flexing after North Carolina Central called a timeout.

Seven of Bates' 15 points came from the free-throw line.

Block party

The Tigers' decided height advantage has shown up early this season.

Memphis, which ranks ninth in the country in average height (6-6 ⅔), according to KenPom.com, blocked 11 shots against Tennessee Tech on Tuesday. The Tigers hit double digits again Saturday with 13, led by Duren and Malcolm Dandridge's three apiece.

It's the first time since the 2015-16 season Memphis has had back-to-back double-digit block games. The Tigers had 13 against Ole Miss on Dec. 18, 2015, and 10 versus IUPUI on Dec. 22.

Lester Quinones puts the game away

In a span of 11 seconds, Lester Quinones effectively sealed the victory with a pair of 3-pointers.

The Tigers, struggling to dispose of North Carolina Central, led 62-31 with under 12 minutes left in the game. At the 11:17 mark, Quinones nailed his first 3-pointer of the game. Eleven seconds later, the junior stepped up and hit another one to make it 68-31. Both 3-pointers came off Eagles turnovers. Memphis outscored North Carolina Central 31-9 off turnovers.

Getting to the free-throw line

Memphis made 31 of 47 free throws Saturday.

It's the most free-throw attempts for the Tigers since having 45 in a game against Alcorn State during the 2019-20 season.

Earl Timberlake fills the stat sheet

Earl Timberlake, the versatile Miami transfer, struggled in the Tigers' two exhibition games and their season opener.

In Saturday's game, Timberlake showed what a valuable contributor he can be. The 6-6 wing ended the game with six points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and a block.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball: Emoni Bates powers Tigers to win over NC Central