For one day, just about everything went well for the University of Memphis men’s basketball team.
Memphis accomplished both of its goals Sunday afternoon at FedExForum. The University, with a turnstile number of 9,377, reached its goal of more than 6,000 people attending per game this season.
Meaning, it will receive anywhere from $420,000-480,000 from the Memphis Grizzlies. Far better than the alternative of receiving none of the $800,000, which was a strong possibility a week ago.
“We’re very appreciative of the fans for that,” said Tigers’ coach Josh Pastner.
And of course Memphis (16-13, 7-9 American Athletic Conference) defeated the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (19-10, 11-6 AAC) 92-82, keeping Pastner’s streak of having never lost three games in a row intact.
“I thought it was a great win for us,” Pastner said. “I’m really proud of our young men. We needed a win. We found a way to go out and get it.”
Whether receiving an unexpected 10 points from seldom used Kedren Johnson or Dedric Lawson and Shaq Goodwin combining for 55 points and 23 rebounds as they feasted on Tulsa’s defense. Senior Day, which saw Goodwin, Johnson, Ricky Tarrant Jr., Trahson Burrell and Caleb Wallingford honored pregame, went about as well as possible for Pastner’s squad.
“We’ve had good guys,” said Pastner about his five seniors. “They’ve done a good job representing the community and the University. And that’s not easy when you’re not with them 24/7. I spend 75 to 80 percent of my job just trying to educate these seniors. They’ve come a long way.”
The honoring of the seniors aside, which was a pretty cool moment. There are three ways to look at Memphis’ win. You can just enjoy the win, which have been few and far between in 2016, or wonder why the Tigers have been so inconsistent as displayed at FedExForum this afternoon. There’s also the possibility of looking at it somewhere in the middle.
However all those scenarios aside, it’s okay to enjoy a Tiger win for one day. Sports are all about moments, and in a season where the moments have been mostly negative; Memphis basketball provided a nice moment Sunday. The criticism, which to this point in the season has been fair, can always wait until tomorrow.
Plus Pastner rightly points out the book the final chapter for better or worse, on him or this team, hasn’t been written.
As unlikely as it sounds, Memphis still has a chance, albeit a small one, to salvage this season. Maybe today’s game will lead a late season charge or maybe not. The Tigers did lock up a first-round bye in the AAC Tournament with its win over Tulsa today after all.
Sunday doesn’t have to change your opinion on Tiger basketball long term. Although for one day, just about everything went well for Memphis basketball and that’s a moment that deserves to be enjoyed.
Tiger basketball had a lot to be cheerful for Sunday. Memphis defeated Tulsa 92-82 on Senior Day at FedExForum.
