NEW YORK - Ask anyone on the inside of the Memphis program who the most valuable Tiger is and the answer will most certainly be Chris Douglas Roberts. He is proving it tonight with an efficient - and vital - career-high, 30 points on 13 of 18 from the field.

The Tigers have now pulled away with a 73-63 lead with 4:53 left in the game.

. . .A Derrick Rose dipsy-do in the lane with 7:37 left in the game, and the ensuing free throw, put Memphis up 65-60. He then converted on the next trip as well for his 21st point of the game.

. . . Robert Dozier has stepped up in the second half for Memphis as well.

. . .Tonight's officials, who have been too involved in the outcome for our liking, are Bryan Kersey, Sean Hull and Roger Ayers. Not a great night for the men in stripes.

. . . We keep getting distratced by the bozos in the section next to us, who have been grappling with ushers all night long. They should have been thrown out ten minutes ago when the first incident occurred, and instead have been tossed now. Morons.