Any type of postseason play is more appetizing than staying at home, just ask the 2001 Tiger football team.
So with the disappointment of not be selected to play in the NCAA Tournament behind it, The University of Memphis basketball team will look to make the most of its second consecutive berth in the National Invitation Tournament, which begins tonight at 7 with a first-round matchup against UNC-Greensboro.
Last year, the Tigers lost, 72-64, to eventual NIT champion Tulsa in the semifinals before beating Detroit, 86-71, in the consolation game to finish third in the tourney. Things will be a little tougher this season with the tourney’s addition of eight teams, bringing this year’s NIT field to 40 squads.
Tonight’s game will be the first-ever meeting between Memphis and UNC-Greensboro, which suffered a 68-58 loss to Southern Conference champion Davidson in the SoCon Tournament, but still finished the year a respectable 20-10.
The Tigers can expect a solid effort from Spartan senior David Schuck, a 6-8, 215-pound forward who averages 13.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Schuck, a transfer from Air Force, has been UNC-Greensboro’s leading rebounder in each of his first two seasons.
Junior forward James Maye and senior point guard Courtney Eldridge lead the Spartans offensively, combining to average 26.8 points per game. Eldridge, UNCG’s all-time leader in steals and assists, is also averaging 6.1 assists this season.
“Courtney is a quick and active point guard,” Memphis head coach John Calipari said. “(Schuck) is really a good post player.”
Calipari said he wants to see his young team improve, but added that winning the NIT is also the goal.
“The biggest part of playing is you want to win,” he said. “You want to do it for the young guys. You want to give the guys an opportunity to grow and get better.”
Tiger freshman guard Dajuan Wagner, who was named Honorable Mention All-America by the Associated Press Tuesday, will be making his debut in postseason play, along with several other Tiger newcomers.
Wagner ranks 24th nationally in scoring, averaging 21.1 points per game to go along with 2.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals. He’s already received All-Conference USA first team and C-USA Freshman of the Year honors.
Memphis senior forward Kelly Wise, also named to C-USA’s first team, practiced some Wednesday and remains questionable for tonight’s contest after sitting out of the Houston loss with a strained right knee. Even if he’s less than 100 percent, Wise’s presence would certainly help the Tigers against UNCG’s undersized front line, which runs 6-6, 6-7 and 6-8.
Calipari encouraged all students and fans to attend the game, saying Memphis’ success depends on it.
“If the fans are mad about us not making the NCAA Tournament, they should blame me,” he said. “We need the fans and students to be there for the players. We need to know we have their support.”
Tickets for tonight’s game may be obtained at the Athletic Ticket Office. Regular admission is $15 while student tickets are $5. Parking in Pyramid lots is $5.
Should Memphis win, it would likely host the UC-Irvine/BYU winner Monday night at The Pyramid.
