News Summary
The Memphis Tigers basketball team, under Coach Penny Hardaway, is currently ranked No. 21 in the AP Top 25 but feels underappreciated. With a 10-3 record and impressive victories, including a win over Ole Miss, they aim to secure recognition as they target the NCAA Tournament. Coach Hardaway emphasizes their accomplishments and expresses disappointment over current rankings, highlighting the challenge ahead as they gear up for future games. As the season progresses, the Tigers look forward to earning the respect they believe they deserve.
Memphis Basketball Team Fights for Respect in Rankings
Overview
In the vibrant city of Memphis, the local basketball team, the Tigers, is making quite a splash this season! Under the leadership of coach Penny Hardaway, the team has pushed their way back into the spotlight, but there seems to be a little frustration bubbling below the surface regarding their current national rankings.
A Look at Recent Victories
The Tigers have been putting on a show, currently holding a record of 10-3 and finding themselves ranked No. 21 in the Associated Press Top 25 and 25th in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll. Recently, they showcased their talent by defeating Ole Miss with a thrilling score of 87-70. This victory didn’t just taste sweet – it marked the team’s third win against a ranked opponent this season!
Even more impressively, the victory over Ole Miss represents Memphis’ eighth win against top-tier (or Quad 1 and Quad 2) opponents, a record that puts them at the top of the national leaderboard! Coach Hardaway feels strongly that the Tigers deserve a lot more recognition for their efforts, claiming that their resume is stronger than 99% of the other teams occupying the Top 25 slots.
Challenges Faced
Now, it hasn’t all been sunshine and roses for Memphis this season. The Tigers faced some tough competition, with losses to No. 2 Auburn and No. 16 Mississippi State. However, a particularly painful blemish on their record is a defeat to Arkansas State, which Hardaway referred to as a “Quadrant 3 loss.” Hardaway isn’t shy about voicing his opinion on the rankings, expressing disappointment that Ole Miss holds a higher rank in the coaches’ poll despite Memphis outperforming them on the court.
Focus on March and April
As the college basketball season unfolds, Hardaway has his eyes set on a bigger picture: performing at their best come March and April when the NCAA Tournament rolls around. The Tigers’ upcoming game against FAU is all lined up for Thursday at 6 p.m. CT, and fans can catch the action live on ESPN2. There’s a buzz in the air as all eyes focus on the performance of the team.
Strong Non-Conference Lineup
The Tigers wrapped up their non-conference schedule impressively against Ole Miss. This schedule is being hailed as one of the toughest in college basketball, featuring a series of tough matchups against very ranked teams. This demanding training ground has set Memphis apart, positioning them as one of the favorites in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
Growing Team Culture and Performance
With a record of 10-3 this season, Memphis has navigated the fifth hardest schedule in college basketball with grace. More importantly, they have collected more impressive wins than any other squad in the nation. The team has shown tremendous resilience. Hardaway has faced the challenge head-on, stressed the importance of fostering a positive team culture and adapting his coaching strategies to ensure the players thrive.
Individual Highlights
Highlighting the game against Ole Miss, Colby Rogers emerged as a star, scoring a sensational season-high of 28 points. His teammate PJ Haggerty also played a pivotal role, contributing 17 points to help solidify the Tigers’ victory. These performances not only energize the current roster but also serve as a launching pad for more success.
Looking Ahead
As Memphis basketball looks to secure its spot in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, the big question on everyone’s lips is whether they will finally receive the recognition they’ve been battling for. With their unwavering determination and undeniable skill on the court, it’s going to be thrilling to see how it all unfolds in the coming weeks!
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Basketball Team Fights for Respect in Rankings
- Deadspin: I’m Ready to Believe in Memphis Tigers Basketball
- CBS Sports: Memphis Ticks Up in Top 25 Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis Tigers
- Google Search: Memphis basketball
