Memphis Head Coach Penny Hardaway and the Tigers Basketball Program came into Saturday morning hoping to rebound from a tough road loss to Tulane 85-84. The rebound started by making a trip to Wichita State to take on the 9-3 Shockers. A chance for both teams to make a national statement in the primo time slot of 11 am on CBS. Wichita State came into the game after a 102-66 win at home against Prairie View and a Covid Canceled game in their first road conference game of the season at East Carolina. Who would get the win for the nation to see?
Who was available to play for Tigers?
In the loss to Tulane, the Tigers were without three of their top scorers in Emoni Bates, Jalen Duran, and Deandre Williams. Tiger fans were clamoring all week to see whom Penny would start and play. We found out later in the week that Williams and Duran would play. We also found out that Bates would not. Pre-Game we would learn that Penny would go with another lineup and 10th new for this season in Lester Quinones, Earl Timberlake, Deandre Williams, Malcolm Dandridge, and Jalen Duran. This was a much taller and bigger lineup than we had seen. In a surprising move, we would not see Senior Guard, Alex Lomax, in the game at all. Reports are that he may miss some time with an injury. Could the Tigers play well in his and Bates’s absence?
How Was the Game for Wichita State?
The home, Koch Arena, of the Wichita State Shockers, has been an intimidating place to play the past decade. The Tigers came in and handed the Shockers its worst loss at home, since 2001, in an 82-64 blowout. The last time they lost at home this bad was on January 27, 2001, in an 85-67 loss to Indiana. Wichita State came in a team known for a stifling defense and creating its offense off it. They had issues getting off the bus offensively Saturday morning. The Shockers shot an abysmal 29% {{18-61} from the field and 21% {7-33} from three. The Shockers were led offensively by Sophomore Guard Tyson Etienne who had a team-high 17 points. This game had Shocker Nation excited but that quickly fizzled on Saturday at home.
How was the Game for Memphis?
In the first CBS Broadcast for Memphis of the season, the Tigers made a statement on the road. The lead for Memphis reached 28 points at one point. The Tigers came in with many questions that needed to be answered. They were. The Tigers had a breakout performance by, Freshman, Josh Minott had a breakout game with 15 pts, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist all in 20 minutes of play. He had been seen in short minutes this season. I am not sure if it was injuries or gut feeling but I along with other Tiger fans want to see more of him. He had great energy and was flying around the court. Minott, along with Jalen Duran who had 14 points and 6 rebounds, Deandre Williams with 14, Landers Nolley with 11. The Tigers looked to be the team that had the preseason hype. The Tigers shot 52% {33-63} from the field and were 26% {5-19} from beyond the arc on Saturday in what would be Penny Hardaway’s 5th win out of 6 against Wichita State. Even with the absence of Emoni Bates and Alex Lomax the Tigers looked true to form. This quick road trip for them I believe has been good for their confidence and cohesion. The national exposure of a blowout win will hopefully prove to be key for this team down the stretch as March quickly approaches and conference play begins.
What is Next on the Schedule?
Wichita State will make a road trip Saturday to Houston to take on the No.12 Cougars.
Memphis will come home Tuesday for a game with Tulsa.
