The FedEx Forum was packed in a sea of blue as the Memphis Tigers defeated the Texas A&M Aggies 83-79, giving them their ninth win of the season and their fourth win versus an SEC opponent.
Memphis just returned being on the road for a week and losing a hard fight against Alabama.
The shorthanded Tigers were fueled by 23 points and 9 assists performance from Kendric Davis and 15 points from DeAndre Williams.
Image via Taylor Hampton
The win was not easy for the Tigers as foul trouble and injuries made things difficult for them.
Malcolm Dandridge and Keonte Kennedy both sat out as Dandridge recovers from an ankle injury and Kennedy remains in concussion protocol.
When explaining Kennedy’s injury, head coach Penny Hardaway responded, “After the Alabama game, he was really out of it. He doesn’t remember it happening, so it must be a pretty bad concussion.”
Tigers guard Alex Lomax also appeared to have suffered an ankle injury in today’s game. His injury status is unclear.
The Tigers as the team committed 27 fouls, resulting in three players fouling out.
Memphis was also dominated on rebounds 37-26, with Texas A&M having a 22-6 advantage on the boards.
Despite the disadvantages, the Tigers forced some key turnovers and made some key buckets that helped them hold on to the lead.
DeAndre Williams started the game in foul trouble as he finished the first half with 0 points but scored 15 points on 6-6 shooting in the second half before fouling out.
“I knew that I stunk up the first half, so I had to come back in the second half and be ready,” said Williams.
Image via Taylor Hampton
Williams made his impact on the game, but his passionate energy almost gave the Tigers a scare as he picked up a technical foul after disagreeing with a foul call that ended his night.
When discussing the tech, Williams said, “A lot of emotions. I’m not gonna blame the refs. I’ve gotta control my emotions. It’s teaching me to be more under control when these things happen. I was just mad at myself, I showed so much emotion.”
Coach Hardaway commented on Williams’ play and energy in the game as it impacted the team.
“He’s a beautiful soul. I love that kid so much because I know what he’s gone through, but in this basketball game, he’s so emotional and he let his emotions get the best of him... we try to help him understand that you can’t overturn the call.”
Damaria Franklin sparked most of the Tigers' defensive energy in his home debut.
Franklin finished with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and two steals but his impact in the game was more than what the stat sheets say.
Coach Hardaway told the media that when Franklin made the decision to transfer to Memphis, he said he would love to make an impact on defense as it fit his style of play.
The Tigers held a lead of 13 at one point thanks to contributions from the bench as Johnathan Lawson scored 10 points on 3 for 3 three-point shooting.
Memphis shot a total of 5 for 14 from three-point range, but the Tigers’ shooting was highlighted by a 20 for 30 performances at the free throw line.
Kendric Davis shot 14 of 16 at the free throw line by himself. The 80 percent free throw shooter played 38 minutes this game, which Coach Hardaway has said he wants to prevent.
The Tigers will have a couple of days rest before they return to the FedExForum to face Alabama State. They will look to capture their tenth win on the season.
Image via Taylor Hampton
“Our confidence is building off of these wins but we gotta keep stacking the wins,” said Williams.
They will have to play another contest without their two key players and possibly without their starting guard Lomax.
The game will take place Wednesday at 7 pm on ESPN+.
Despite the opposing views from fans, officials, teams, and the media, the Tigers still manage to be second in the AAC with a 9-3 record.
