This is the box score for the NCAA Maui Invitational championship game between the Memphis Tigers and the Auburn Tigers on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at Lahaina Civic Center in Hawaii.

Memphis is looking for back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in school history while Tulane is hoping to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive. 

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Drew Hill and Chris Herrington discuss Ja Morant’s dynamic return from injury, a busy Thanksgiving week schedule and how the Grizzlies may deploy what could be their deepest roster ever. 

Each week during the high school basketball season, The Daily Memphian will spotlight some of the city’s top teams and performers.

Boise State is the favorite to reach the CFP. But a Broncos loss and AAC title could put Tulane in the playoff — if, that is, the Green Wave can prevent a Memphis upset on Thanksgiving night. The Tigers have something else in mind.

A win over Auburn would give Memphis its first-ever Maui Invitational title in what is its sixth appearance in the tournament.

Though the story surrounding Memphis ahead of its trip to Hawaii was the play of PJ Haggerty, it’s Tyrese Hunter who’s been the surprise star for coach Penny Hardaway’s group through two games in Maui.

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Memphis handles Michigan State, advances to title game in Maui

Box score: Memphis 71, Michigan State 63

Tigers Basketball Insider: Memphis getting respect after UConn win

Just before the season started, some national media suggested Penny Hardaway was on the hot seat. Well, if Hardaway was on the hot seat, the man has spent the week dumping a bathtub of water from the Pacific Ocean on the flame. 

The Daily Memphian has kept track of notable Group of Five teams each week. Teams have fallen in and out of the tracker based on the outcomes of games played.

Memphis was led by Tyrese Hunter’s 23 points and some aggressive team defense. The Tigers will play at 4 p.m. CST Wednesday vs. Auburn in the Maui Invitational championship.

Standouts from Collierville, Covington, Fairley, Southwind and Tipton-Rosemark earn invitations to Nissan Stadium on Dec. 1o.

This is the box score for the NCAA Maui Invitational game between the Memphis Tigers and the Michigan State Spartans on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at Lahaina Civic Center in Hawaii.

Ja Morant was ruled out of Wednesday’s game against the Pistons with a knee contusion. 

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The Tigers now have wins over four KenPom top-100 teams.

Desmond Bane said people can’t stop telling him about how frequently his commercial plays during Memphis Grizzlies games.

On the heels of a stellar state tournament in March, Fred Smith Jr. returns to lead the way for the Saints.

Why was Jaren Jackson Jr. ready for the alley-oop lob from Ja Morant? Because he knows Morant is unafraid to go for the wildest outcomes.

Jonah Gambill’s work ethic forced the Memphis coaching staff to put him on the field as a redshirt freshman, and they never took him off.

Numbers to know, historical notes and fun facts ahead of Friday’s playoff action.

Standouts from Brighton, Central, Kingsbury, Munford, Overton and Southwind honored by the league’s coaches.

Standouts from ECS, Lausanne, Northpoint, St. Benedict, St. George’s and University School of Jackson honored by the league’s coaches.

Memphis and Michigan State last met in the 2013 NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32, where the Spartans beat the Tigers. The Tigers own a 2-1 all-time series lead.

The Tigers and Grizzlies tag teamed on Monday to give Memphis “one of the best days” of November basketball imaginable. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 123, Trail Blazers 98

Ja Morant, Marcus Smart discuss imminent returns

Ja Morant is back in flight and back in control, dominating the game with the Trail Blazers with 22 points and 11 assists in only 23 minutes.

Ja Morant shot 6 from 12 from the field, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 21 points, and Santi Aldama finished with 13 points and a career-high 17 rebounds.