Jeremiah Martin continues to cement his legacy as a Memphis Tiger in the victory against Tulsa

The University of Memphis men’s basketball team returned home Saturday night to wrap up their regular season with a clash against the 18-12 Tulsa Golden Hurricane. With their spot as the fifth seed in the upcoming conference tournament already clinched, the implications surrounding this game had nothing to do with standings.  

This one, instead, was about sending the team’s seniors — Mike Parks Jr., Kareem Brewton Jr., Raynere Thornton, Kyvon Davenport and Jeremiah Martin — out on a high note as they begin to prepare for the next chapter of their lives. Regardless of what happens in the league tourney next week, this group is worthy of every bit of praise and appreciation they receive for keeping the program afloat during a time of transition and committing to the brand of high-energy, fast-paced basketball that Memphis fans have become so accustomed to. 

Prior to tip-off, video packages honoring the careers of each senior were shown on the big screen, setting the stage for what was sure to be an emotional night inside FedexForum. Although Brewton Jr., Parks Jr., Thornton and Davenport all received a well-deserved ovation from the fans, it was Martin who was greeted with the most thunderous reaction from Tiger supporters.  

“It kind of was one of those situations where it was like man, this is coming to an end,†head coach Penny Hardway said after his team’s 66-63 home win. “Seeing Ray, Kyvon, Mike and Kareem, it was like, ‘Wow, this is my first senior night.’ And then when Peso (Martin) came out, the energy changed in the crowd because he’s a hometown kid, been here for four years. It got a little emotional because I know where he came from.â€Â 

Despite shooting a putrid 17 percent from three and turning the ball over 11 times, Memphis still managed to take a four-point lead into the halftime break behind the aid of a raucous crowd.  

At numerous points during the second frame, the Tigers seemed poised to run away from their opponents, but the Golden Hurricane found a way to answer everything thrown their way and even retook possession of the lead with less than four minutes remaining in the contest after previously trailing the entire half.  

Although it was not their best all-around effort, Hardaway’s team was able to hold off an extremely competitive Tulsa team and end their regular season with a 19-12 record, including a stellar 15-2 mark inside their own building.  

In his last regular season home game, on a day officially declared in his namesake by Mayor Jim Strickland, Martin once again lead the way. The senior finished with 20 points, six boards and six assists, including a pair of clutch free throws that all but sealed the result of this one.  

“I just feel blessed and very appreciative for the city recognizing me,†Martin said. “That’s what it’s all about, you know, just loyalty. I feel like when you’re loyal and you do things the right way, good things happen for you. I’m very honored the mayor did that for me, and I’m very appreciative because I love my city. I’m going to go hard for my city because I love it, I love Memphis.â€Â 

For months, both Hardaway and his players have acknowledged the significance of the league tourney being played here. Now, with the regular season schedule concluded, they must win four games in four days to meet their goal of reaching the NCAA tournament. For these Tigers, the pressure may be exactly what they need.