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. 

The University of Memphis players learned that talent isn’t enough when the offense is undisciplined.

Nov. 26, 2021: Iowa State defeated the Memphis Tigers in the NIT Season Tip-Off at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. 

Memphis shot just 35% from the field and committed 22 turnovers in the NIT Season Tip-Off final.

Nov. 26, 2021: Atlanta Hawks defeated the Grizzlies at FedExForum.

By late in the third quarter, the shell-shocked Grizzlies, already with a questionable defense all season, trailed by 38 points. 

Morant did not return after he was injured in the first quarter, and the team announced after the game that he has a left knee sprain.

Colleges didn’t want to take a chance on Calvin Austin III because of his size, but he bet on himself and is headed hopefully toward an NFL career. 

Limiting fouls has been a weakness for Jackson in the past, but he has been much more effective so far this season.

It will be a clash of tough defensive units when No. 9 Memphis and the Cyclones play in the NIT Season Tip-Off final.

Related story:

What we learned about the Tigers in Game 5

Calvin Austin III considers himself blessed, and defensive lineman John Tate IV anticipates he’ll shed a few tears on senior day.

Local artists compared Ja Morant’s game to jazz soloists, ballet dancers and brush strokes within a mural. The Grizzlies point guard is building his masterpiece in his third season. 

Penny Hardaway seems inclined to continue a certain rotation trend, and 3-point shooting remains an issue.

After beating Virginia Tech, Memphis is 5-0 for the first time in more than a decade. But it wasn’t the kids who carried them in this one. It was the dogs. 

Alex Lomax and Malcolm Dandridge, coming off the bench, propelled the No. 9 Tigers in what could have been a much closer game.

Related story:

Box score: Memphis 69, Virginia Tech 61

Nov. 24, 2021: Toronto Raptors defeat the Grizzlies at FedExForum.

The Grizzlies at one point had a 14-point lead, but former Memphis Tigers player Precious Achiuwa contributed to the Raptors’ rally and surge.

Related story:

Box score: Raptors 126, Grizzlies 113

Ryan Silverfield and Tulane offensive coordinator Chip Long have even served on the same staffs. On Saturday, each has specific streaks to continue or end.

“Although I can’t address the legal matters right now, I want everyone to know I’m doing the work to address my case,” the former Grizzlies player said. 

Senior is averaging 27 points through first two games.

Briarcrest junior Max Carroll named MVP. 

The former Tigers star, in town with the Toronto Raptors to face the Grizzlies, predicts it won’t be a smooth rise, but believes his college team will win the national title.

The Grizzlies star said the ad spot “describes me, my background, the city of Memphis.”

Are rotations part of the turnover issue? What has Larry Brown’s role been so far?

The Tigers haven’t scored at 30 points in a game since beating Navy 35-17 on Oct. 14.