The Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team (7-5) dominated the Tennessee State Tigers (3-8) in virtually every category, on way to a 99 - 41 rout. Memphis had six players in double digits, led by Jeremiah Martin with 14 points.
Penny Hardaway said there were some team meetings after the victory over Little Rock, where Hardaway laid out the issues of the team. Hardaway said he was proud to see the team come out and execute the way they did against TSU after having those discussions.
Defense:
Memphis more or less embarrassed TSU, never giving them room to breathe and relentlessly applying pressure. TSU shot 10-62 from the field for 16.1 percent, while also shooting 6-35 from deep for 17.1 percent and forced 24 turnovers.
Even though Memphis forced TSU to miss some shots, TSU did get some good looks, but could not get the ball to go in. TSU was scoreless until the 12 minute mark in the first half. Kareem Brewton said Memphis defense is responsible for TSU’s bad game.
“I think it was us, you know, throwing different stuff at them,” Brewton said.
Brewton credits pressing and him contesting their shots. Alex Lomax said he also thinks the Memphis defense held TSU.
“You know, we did a great job of just playing defense and being aware,” Lomax said. “Most of it was from our just hard-nosed defense. Taking their legs out early and when they did slip up and get an open shot, their legs were gone on the shot. I can say we did a great job today of that.”
Turnover bug:
The Memphis Tigers played well offensively, but did have trouble holding onto the ball yet again in another game. Memphis had 26 turnovers, regardless of the outcome, against a better more disciplined team. Memphis will not have such a commanding victory, if one at all. Hardaway said it was one of the only bad thing about Memphis’ performance.
“Man, that’s the only negative of the day,” Hardaway said. “26 turnovers and 22 assists, I mean.. they are not pressing us and we are still turning the ball over. It’s a problem because it’s happening every game. That’s something that I’m not proud of, you know, being a former point guard and, you know, understanding possession is so key.”
Hardaway goes on to say they need the guards to be better at protecting the ball.
Antwann’s court vision:
Antwann Jones along with Lomax both led the team with five assists. Jones has played well enough recently to get into the starting lineup, as his court vision has been put on display.
Against TSU, Jones had a chance for a three-point shot, but passed it off to Martin which led to an and-one, getting a higher percentage shot for the three-point play. This also shows how unselfish of a player Jones is and his goal is to win regardless of his personal stats. Hardaway said he sees himself in Jones.
“You know we’ve been waiting on him,” Hardaway said. “You know, its just some bumps and bruises along the way as being a freshman, before now. But since he has been in the lineup and playing the minutes he deserves, his passing is amazing. He reminds me of myself because he sees the play before it happens and that’s a God gift.”
Hardaway goes on to say Jones’ unselfish play is something he wants to see from everyone on the team.
Round off:
Kyvon Davenport dropped another double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. This game marks Davenport’s third-straight game with a double-double, making him a formidable weapon off the bench for the Tigers.
Evin Olds made a mark in the game, knocking down a corner three and a couple of free-throws, all of which got the crowd involved. Hardaway said it is nice for the coaches to see a kid that works so hard, come out and have some success on the court.
The Tigers will return after Christmas to take on Florida A&M (3-11) on Dec. 29 playing their final non-conference game.
Basketball coach Penny Hardaway instructs the team. The Tigers finishing the season with a 21-13 record.
