The University of Memphis was an onside kick away from having a shot at a game-tying drive against Missouri Saturday.

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Box score: Missouri 34, Memphis 27

The Tigers lost, now it’s time to respond at home

Rodrigo da Costa scored three goals Saturday as Memphis downed host Tampa Bay, 4-2, to sweep the season series with the Rowdies and secure its postseason berth.

Desmond Bane had no hesitation swimming with sharks in Hawaii this summer — no, really, he didn’t — but when asked to throw the first pitch at the Redbirds game Saturday, the Grizzlies guard was nervous. 

Kickers Seth Morgan and Tristian Vandenberg have been ruled out against Missouri as Memphis tries to stay undefeated with a win Saturday.

Danny Smith, 47, collapsed and died leading a bicycle ride last week. The Memphis cycling community was stunned. Smith wasn’t just an increasingly accomplished cyclist. He made the city a better — and more connected — place. 

The best photos in sports photography: from the Grizzlies to the Tigers to the Express (remember them?!) to our standout local high school athletes.

Defense and special teams shine for MUS in the team’s first victory over Ensworth. Meanwhile, sophomore quarterback Eric Perry leads DeSoto Central over Olive Branch.

The Red Devils force four turnovers, including one crucial interception late, to beat the Dragons 14-7.

Memphis basketball players read to children at Bruce Elementary, handed out pencils and books and took photos to promote childhood literacy.

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Sophomore quarterback Kelvin Perkins accounts for four touchdowns as Jaguars improve to 6-0.

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Memphis-area high school football stat leaders

Lakeland Prep made history on Sept. 15 by defeating Douglass to post the first varsity victory in program history.

Jim Strickland’s $684 million plan to renovate Memphis’ four major sports venues was announced last October. Nearly a year later, no agreements have been reached regarding funding allocation.

Marcus Smart’s knack for giving a good quote and reputation as an energizer in practice will make him the center of attention when the team gets on the court together in two weeks. 

Totals are through games as of Sept. 15 and are for TSSAA schools in The Daily Memphian coverage area.

Containing Missouri receiver Luther Burden while eliminating turnovers will go a long way in helping Memphis execute a potential upset. 

Two days after earning his spot on the Owls’ roster, the junior blitzes Windyke with a 6-under round.

Though he continues to wait for a decision from the NCAA regarding his eligibility status, DeAndre Williams is enrolled at Memphis for the fall semester.

Tauskie Dove understands the storylines that surround him playing his former school, but he hasn’t focused too much on that this week.

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“People believe that every sort of issue that we have is somehow related to two teams playing here,” Redbirds and 901 FC president said about the two sports teams sharing the field, “but that has so far never been the case.” 

Germantown remains at No. 1 ahead of Friday’s region showdown against fifth-ranked Collierville.

Top-ranked Germantown is looking to end a two-game skid in the series.

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Daily Memphian Dandy Dozen: Top teams hold serve this week while Mitchell debuts