MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Nov. 2, 2026) – The LeMoyne Owen College women's basketball team faced a challenging early-season test Monday evening, falling 78-42 to NCAA Division I opponent University of Memphis at Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
Despite the final score, the Lady Magicians showed encouraging moments throughout the contest, particularly in the opening half, while gaining valuable experience against a Memphis program competing in the American Conference.
Under head coach Kimberly Anderson, LeMoyn Owen entered the match-up looking to build upon its season-opening victory over Fisk University. Monday's contest marked the Lady Magicians' final exhibition of the season, providing an opportunity to evaluate their execution, defensive intensity and overall development against a higher-level opponent.
LeMoyne Owen opened the contest with confidence, keeping pace with the Tigers throughout the first quarter. The Lady Magicians connected on six of their 15 field goal attempts, shooting 40 percent from the floor and an impressive 66.7 percent from three-point range during the opening period.
Despite Memphis shooting 63.6 percent in the first quarter, LOC remained within striking distance, trailing just 20-15 after the opening 10 minutes.
The Lady Magicians continued competing in the second quarter, generating additional scoring opportunities through their defensive effort and offensive rebounding. However, Memphis began establishing momentum with a 15-point scoring run that helped the Tigers create separation.
LeMoyn Owen scored 12 points in the second period, entering halftime trailing 39-27. The 12-point deficit reflected a competitive first half in which the Lady Magicians demonstrated their ability to challenge a Division I opponent.
Following halftime, Memphis increased its defensive pressure while continuing to capitalize on opportunities in transition. The Tigers outscored LOC 20-9 in the third quarter, extending their advantage to 59-36 entering the final period.
The Lady Magicians continued battling defensively in the fourth quarter but struggled to find an offensive rhythm, connecting on just two of their 17 field goal attempts. Memphis closed the contest with a 19-6 advantage in the final period to secure the 78-42 victory.
Individually, Alecsis Smith led LeMoyne Owen with nine points and six rebounds, while also contributing two steals and two blocked shots in 35 minutes of action.
Ke'Sonja Nelson and Farrah Buckner followed with eight points apiece. Nelson connected on four of her nine field goal attempts while adding three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Buckner provided an offensive contribution off the bench, finishing with eight points on 3-of-9 shooting and converting both of her free throw attempts.
Layla Hampton delivered one of the Lady Magicians' strongest all-around performances, recording seven points, five rebounds and a team-high four steals. Hampton shot an efficient 50 percent from the floor while playing 31 minutes.
Serena Lee added six points, four rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals. Lee also accounted for both of LeMoyne Owen's successful three-point attempts.
Although the Lady Magicians experienced offensive struggles, their defensive activity and rebounding effort provided several positives.
LeMoyne Owen recorded 12 steals and five blocked shots while forcing Memphis into 22 turnovers. The Lady Magicians also collected 18 offensive rebounds, compared to 11 for the Tigers, demonstrating their willingness to compete for additional possessions against a larger Division I opponent.
LOC converted Memphis turnovers into 14 points and finished with 22 points in the paint.
The Lady Magicians finished the evening shooting 23.1 percent from the field and 62.5 percent from the free-throw line. Memphis, meanwhile, shot 53.7 percent from the floor and held a 44-36 advantage in total rebounds.
For Memphis, Anjanae Richardson led all scorers with 23 points, while Tierney Kelsey contributed 16 points off the bench. Daejah Richmond added 14 points, nine rebounds and eight steals, and Destiny Thomas finished with 10 points.
While Monday's result did not favor LeMoyne Owen, the exhibition offered valuable lessons as the Lady Magicians continue developing their chemistry and consistency. Their first-half competitiveness, defensive activity and offensive rebounding provide encouraging areas to build upon.
With their exhibition schedule complete, the Lady Magicians will turn their attention to their first official game of the season on November 19, when they travel to Savannah, GA to take on the Lady Tigers of Savannah State University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CST.
