The Memphis Tigers men's basketball (5-4) team defeated the University of Alabama at Birmingham (6-3), 94-76. Memphis as a team shot 30-56 from the field for 53.6 percent in what was the Tigers' most convincing win of the season.
Tyler Harris again led the Tigers in points with 24, but Kyvon Davenport came in with a spark of energy to help Memphis surge past UAB. Davenport nearly had another double-double as he finished the game with 21 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, shooting 8-10 from the field. Penny Hardaway said he was proud of the way Davenport has taken ownership of his role coming off the bench.
"Yeah I am, because Kyvon is really, and I told him the other day, that he is really unstoppable," Hardaway said. "I haven't seen one guy really shut Kyvon down, only Kyvon can shut himself down. So I said, 'go out there and show these guys they are not on your level, there's nobody that can guard you, play freely and go and do what we know you can do.'"
Hardaway said if Davenport continues to play at a high level, then it will be tough for any team to come on the court and get a win.
Midway through the second half Davenport knocked down a deep three after UAB fought back to make it a four point game. Davenport said he credit's Jeremiah Martin and his leadership for noticing the advantage Davenport had over his defender and to get him the ball to make a play.
Davenport has not played at a consistent level throughout the season, as he has had some tough games in which he struggled, However, Davenport can take over games and push Memphis over the top. Davenport said he is responsible for holding himself back.
"I feel like myself," Davenport said. "I feel like I go out and I get into a slump and I feel like it gets the best of me anytime I miss a shot or something. It just wore me down, just keep wearing, affecting me at the time, I got to just get out of that selfish mindset and get more involved in the game."
Davenport goes on to say he does not need to focus on the missed shots, but what he can do to help the Tigers win. Hardaway said they really try to force the talent out of Davenport, but he so far has gained confidence.
Davenport will need to play to a similar level in their next game against the No. 7 ranked Tennessee Volunteers on Dec.15 at the FedEx Forum.
Kyvon Davenport pulls up mid-range jump shot early in the first half against South Dakota State. Davenport ended the game with five points and five rebounds
