It may well be that the Grizzlies haven’t been quite as good as their record suggests this season. But it’s also possible that with Brooks back they will be.

The Memphis Grizzlies have some serious concerns as they turn their attention toward the final stretch of games. 

March 6, 2022: The Houston Rockets defeat the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center in Houston.

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The Grizzlies defense completely fell apart in the second half, and Jaren Jackson Jr. played just 13 minutes because of foul trouble.

March 6, 2022: The University of Memphis Tigers defeat the Houston Cougars at FedExForum.

With the best performance of the year, Memphis likely locked up a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Ja Morant’s stardom exploded following his triple-double during the NCAA Tournament three years ago. But he has even higher hopes for the current Murray State team. 

Calvin Austin III and Dylan Parham give the Tigers a good deal of credit for getting them this far. Former Arlington resident Kenneth Walker III is also getting attention.

If the Grizzlies can hang on to the No. 2 seed, it bodes well for a more favorable playoff matchup.

March 5, 2022: Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Orlando Magic at FedExForum.

March 5, 2022: FACS defeats Goodpasture in the Division 2-A boys basketball state final.

Desmond Bane regained his shooting touch, scoring 24 points as the Grizzlies ran away with the game.

Daniel Egbuniwe was named MVP as Crusaders cap 30-2 season for first state title in school history.

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March 5, 2022: Christian Brothers High School defeats Knoxville Catholic for boys Division 2-AA state title.

Brothers finish 28-0 as Chandler Jackson and Michael Pepper each score 20.

The Tigers have all of the necessary knowledge and tools to crack Houston’s elite defense on Sunday.

March 4, 2022: FACS defeats Clarksville Academy in Division 2-A boys basketball state semifinal in Cookeville.

It wasn’t just about winning games, or even the games themselves.

The former Memphis Tigers player finished in the top three among receivers in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump and the 20-yard shuttle run.

The Crusaders, who have no trouble with Clarksville Academy, will take on Goodpasture in hopes of their first state championship.

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Box score: FACS 57, Clarksville Academy 32

Veteran Kennedy Claybrooks has the experience the Panthers need in their quest to reach Murfreesboro for the first time since 2015.

Winners of nine of their past 10 games, the Tigers are in a solid position for the NCAA Tournament. Beating Houston would make it even tougher for the committee to ignore them. 

Memphis defeated South Florida on Thursday, setting up Sunday’s game against Houston. It’s the biggest Tigers home game in years.