A strong second half powered the Memphis Tigers past East Carolina Thursday night at FedExForum, 71-54.

Memphis (11-8, 5-4 American Athletic Conference) used a 13-4 run to open a 45-36 lead after the Pirates tied the game at 32 at the start of the second half, and the Tigers led by double figures for the final 7:18 of the contest.

The Tigers were led by Lester Quinones' 17 points, including four 3-pointers. Josh Minott recorded a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double, and Emoni Bates, Malcolm Dandridge and Earl Timberlake had eight points apiece. Timberlake also grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds and had five assists.

Eight Tigers played at least 19 minutes in the game.

Memphis held East Carolina to 26.4 percent shooting in the game (19-72), which is the second-lowest field goal percentage allowed by the Tigers this year behind North Carolina Central's 26.2 percent shooting on Nov. 13 (17-65).

Memphis ended the game shooting 42.1 percent from the field (24-57) and was 14-for-24 in the second half (.583).

East Carolina (11-8, 2-5 AAC) was led by Tristen Newton's 19 points.

UP NEXT
Memphis is back in action next Thursday, Feb. 3, at Cincinnati. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2. The Tigers return to FedExForum on Saturday, Feb. 5 against UCF at 7 p.m. The game against UCF features a Larry Finch & Penny Hardaway Commemorative "Coaches Edition" Coin giveaway for the first 5,000 fans, presented by Regional One Health.