No. 1 Memphis Stays Perfect

Tigers hold off pesky UTEP for 44th straight win at home
By Mitch Pritchard,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 2, 2008 5:27 PM CST
No. 1 Memphis Stays Perfect
UTEP guard Stefon Jackson (12) shoots a jumper over Memphis guard Derrick Rose, left, in the second half of a college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008, in Memphis, Tenn. Jackson scored 27 points but Memphis won 70-64. (AP Photo/Lance Murphey)   (Associated Press)

Texas-El Paso had the biggest upset of the week in its sights today, but No. 1 Memphis wouldn't be denied down the stretch. Chris Douglas-Roberts broke a 60-all tie with 2:31 left to lead the Tigers to a 70-64 win over UTEP, extending their 44-game home-court winning streak and keeping their perfect season intact at 21-0.

The Conference USA game was the closest of the year for the Tigers, who are winning by an average of 25.7 points. UTEP coach Tony Barbee, a Memphis assistant from 2000-2006, shifted defenses constantly. The Miners (13-7, 4-3) took the lead with 3:44 left, but Derrick Rose scored two of his team-high 17 and Douglas-Roberts scored to take the lead for good. (More NCAA basketball stories.)

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