The Tigers smashed Wichita State Saturday. It was the best way possible to begin what could be one of the most important years in Memphis basketball history. 

In 1941, Alice and Ferdinand Haas fled Germany before they could be murdered by the Nazis. They gave a pastry plate to their housekeeper before they left. After 80 years, that plate found its way back to the family, in Memphis. 

Memphis lost to Tulane for the first time since 2016. That was the last season for Josh Pastner. Which doesn’t mean this will be the last season for Penny Hardaway, of course. But things are not going well.

It is hard not to think about loss this Christmas. Here’s to those who help us find joy in the midst of it all. 

The Grizzlies may be closing in on an agreement with the city and county that would dramatically reduce the chance the team relocates under the “early termination” clause of the arena lease. 

‘The Memphis-Tennessee game was canceled because too many Tigers players were unvaccinated. That’s an indictment of Penny Hardaway’s leadership.’

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The Memphis-Tennessee series ended in dismal fashion when Saturday’s game at Bridgestone Arena was canceled because of COVID-19. It’s an ending nobody wanted. But that won’t stop fans from both sides from arguing about it until the end of time. 

When Tyler Harris hit a 3-pointer to put the Memphis Tigers up by 19 on No. 6 Alabama, FedExForum erupted in air-shaking joy. It was a win that saved a season. And felt just like old times.

Penny Hardaway said Memphis lost to Murray State because of “bad coaching.” But there is no evidence he intends to fix it. 

After three straight demoralizing losses, Penny Hardaway and the Memphis Tigers must beat Murray State.

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Hardaway on Tigers: It’s time to ‘fix ourselves’

When Minnie Miñoso was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, nobody was happier than Rep. Steve Cohen. A story of baseball, kindness — and an extraordinary life. 

Penny Hardaway is trying to fix what ails his team by installing the Lion offense. Hey, it seemed to work last year. But was it really the new offense that helped the Tigers get better in 2020-21? The numbers point to something else. 

It’s a strange time for fans of Memphis football and basketball. For both programs, there are excellent reasons to believe — and excellent reasons to doubt. 

The Memphis Tigers didn’t have the season they wanted. But Saturday night they got the win they needed to keep their eight-year bowl streak alive.

The Memphis Tigers and Memphis Grizzlies lost two games and a superstar Friday night. But this particular Black Friday could have been a whole lot worse. 

Tyler Harris may have taken his shooting stroke to Iowa State — but he left his heart in Memphis. Now both are back where they belong. 

The Grizzlies put an emphatic end to their losing streak by routing the Rockets Monday. It may or may not mean the Grizzlies are back on track. But it was a happy birthday for Ja Morant’s dad!

Was Ryan Silverfield wrong to go for the two-point conversion Saturday? Maybe. But that’s not what Tigers football fans should be concerned about.

The ball went up. A new season started. And within five minutes, the Memphis Tigers had unleashed the kind of overwhelming talent that could make this a very special year.

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Memphis Tigers make (T-shirt) history!

Memphis fans have high hopes this Tigers team will make history. The T-shirts already have. 

An updated column marking the momentous occasion.

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The day Memphis football defeated Tennessee, as told by those who lived it

Josie Fellers and Chloe Wells are teammates on Memphis Pom who share a hometown, a birthday — and a fierce determination to not let cancer ruin their dreams.