Tonight was emblematic of our entire season, small signs of greatness, followed by heartbreak. Unless a miracle happens, it is looking like the Memphis Tigers are about to experience their first sub 20 win season under Penny Hardaway and its first since 2017.
Saturday night in Logan, the Tigers were outpaced 99–75 at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum as Utah State handed Memphis its 13th loss of the season. Memphis led briefly late in the first half, but a decisive closing stretch before halftime flipped the game’s tone and Utah State never let it fully swing back.
After Sincere Parker’s steal-and-score put the Tigers ahead 28–26 with just over four minutes left in the first half, Utah State surged to the break and Memphis walked into halftime down 48–34.
The Tigers did respond. Multiple times, they chopped the margin into striking distance early in the second half, getting it down to eight with under 15 minutes remaining. But each push was met by another Utah State run, including a 13–0 burst that effectively ended the upset hopes.
The numbers that decided it
The efficiency gap was the story: Memphis shot 37% overall and 4-for-18 from three, while Utah State hit 53% from the field and made 10 threes. Memphis also lost the points-off-turnovers battle, and Utah State’s pace showed up in transition and assisted scoring.
Memphis standouts
Sincere Parker led Memphis with 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Curtis Givens III added 18. The strong performances didn’t mean much in the end and lead to a bleak 12-13 record.
The postgame moment everyone’s talking about
The ending got heated. In the final possession, Utah State didn’t let up. Already up by over 20 they decided to keep the pressure and score a final basket. Some called it classless, others unsportsmanlike. Memphis was down and out, and they kicked us in the gut. Penny Hardaway took issue with Utah State scoring late with the game in hand, saying afterward on the post-game radio, “You have to have more class than that.”
Videos are circulating the Internet of the final game handshake, where Coach Penny let loose on the players and coaches.
What’s next for Memphis
Despite what the numbers say, Memphis basketball still has a path to the NCAA Tournament, even if it’s a slim one. The Tigers are 7–5 in American Athletic Conference play, tied for sixth place, and still within striking distance of a top seed in the AAC Tournament if they can stack wins down the stretch.
Next up is a defining road test: Memphis travels to face the South Florida Bulls on Thursday, Feb. 19 (7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2). South Florida currently leads the AAC at 9–3, making this one of Memphis’ biggest remaining opportunities to climb the standings and reshape the conference race.
A win in Tampa would do more than improve Memphis’ record. It would send a clear message that the Tigers are still a factor in the league title picture and still capable of making a late push toward March. The challenge is consistency away from FedExForum. Memphis has been dominant at home (10–3) but has struggled on the road (2–8). If the Tigers can flip that script Thursday night, it could be the start of the kind of run that keeps their postseason hopes alive. Let us know how you feel in the comments below!
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