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Memphis looks to extend nation's longest winning streak

Feb 22, 2007 - 5:38 PM Rice (13-12) at No. 7 Memphis (23-3) 7:00 pm EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Memphis has a number of win streaks it will be trying to keep alive.

The seventh-ranked Tigers look to extend the nation's longest winning streak Thursday when they host Rice in a Conference USA battle.

A last-second overtime win over Gonzaga Saturday coupled with a loss by then-No. 1 Florida to Vanderbilt gave the Tigers (23-3, 12-0 Conference USA) the nation's longest winning streak at 15 games.

Memphis also has won 27 straight home games and is undefeated in conference play. A victory over the Owls on Thursday would clinch the regular-season title for the Tigers.

Last Saturday in Spokane was a good tune-up for Memphis going into March. The Tigers beat Gonzaga 78-77 in overtime on a layup by guard Chris Douglas-Roberts with 5.6 seconds left.

Joey Dorsey led Memphis with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Robert Dozier added 14 points and Douglas-Roberts had 13 for the Tigers.

Rice (13-12, 7-5) has stumbled lately, losing its last two games following a three-game winning streak.

The Owls still have a shot at second place in the conference with a strong finish to the season. They are currently one game behind both Central Florida and Houston for the No. 2 spot.