Memphis coach John Calipari coaches his team against Alabama Thursday in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Tuscaloosa, Ala. ? Darius Washington had 23 points and six assists as No. 12 Memphis ran past No. 15 Alabama 87-76 in the second round of the Preseason NIT on Thursday night.

The Tigers (2-0) kept Alabama off balance all night with an aggressive full-court press and a fastbreak that beat the Crimson Tide down court.

Memphis advanced to the semifinals against UCLA on Wednesday in New York.

Alabama (1-1) trailed 48-32 at halftime and by as many as 20 in the second half before cutting the lead to eight late in the game, thanks mostly to the shooting of reserve Justin Jonus.

Jonus led the Tide with 18 points. He got all but two of his points in the second half.

The game featured two highly regarded point guards, Washington and Alabama’s Ronald Steele. However, Steele was held to just eight points and three assists, and couldn’t stop Washington, who hit a key shot or started a fastbreak every time Alabama made a run.

Robert Dozier scored 11 points for Memphis. Jemario Davidson had 17 points and 19 rebounds for Alabama and Chuck Davis added 15.