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Douglas-Roberts helps Memphis rout Austin Peay

Dec 15, 2006 - 4:56 AM MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- It didn't take long for Memphis to impart its mastery of Austin Peay at home.

Chris Douglas-Roberts scored 17 of his career-high 28 points in the first half as the 19th-ranked Tigers rolled to an 88-63 victory over the Governors in a non-conference matchup.

Improving to 12-1 all-time here against the Ohio Valley Conference squad, Memphis (8-2) was sizzling from the start, scoring the first 12 points and racing out to a 22-2 lead with 13:29 left in the first half.

"I liked us offensively," Memphis coach John Calipari said. "I liked what I saw. I think the tougher practices helped us. I think they made us much more aggressive.

"We're also really emphasizing ball movement and driving together, and we saw some of that today."

Robert Dozier led the early charge, scoring eight of the Tigers' first 12 points. Fellow sophomore Douglas-Roberts continued the momentum, shooting 7-of-8 from the field in the opening 20 minutes as Memphis held a 47-25 lead at the break.

"We got off to such a horrible start, and we had to play looking out of the hole the entire night," Austin Peay coach Dave Loos said. "They're just too big, strong and athletic. We couldn't keep them away from the basket."

Douglas-Roberts finished 10-of-12 from the field and converted 8-of-10 free throws. He also handed out five assists and reserve Andre Allen added eight as the Tigers finished with 24.

"I saw some great signs," Calipari said. "The biggest thing was real unselfish play. I love what we did vs. the zone."

Kareem Cooper and freshmen Jeremy Hunt and Doneal Mack scored 11 points apiece for Memphis, which shot 62 percent (34-of-55) from the field.

Joey Dorsey had nine points to go along with 11 rebounds for the Tigers, who pounded the Governors on the boards, 43-21.

Derek Wright scored 18 points and Fernandez Lockett 12 for Austin Peay (3-5), which dropped to 4-14 all-time against Memphis.

"I thought we had two guys out there who really looked like they belonged in the game," Loos said. "That was Fernandez Lockett and D.J. Wright."