No, the Memphis Tigers won’t be in the NCAA tournament. But we can root for some of the Grizzlies players’ alma maters at the Big Dance.

Memphis will be sitting out the NCAA Tournament yet again this year. Here’s a reason for hope (and some reasons to despair).

The Tigers are battling Mississippi State and Ole Miss for one of Texas’ best.

Memphis is just the third team in the past 15 years to finish top three in KenPom.com’s adjusted defensive efficiency metric and not make the NCAA Tournament. Instead, Memphis will participate in the NIT as a No. 1 seed 

March 14, 2021: Thunder 128, Grizzlies 122

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Grizzlies fall to hot-shooting Thunder

The Grizzlies had a 12-point lead, but the Thunder’s proficient 3-point shooting was overwhelming.

The commissioner argued for the Tigers’ inclusion despite the AAC’s decision not to reschedule their regular-season games against Houston and Wichita State. 

What is in front of the Tigers is an agonizing wait to see what the NCAA selection committee has in store.

March 13, 2021: AAC semifinal: Houston 76, Memphis 74

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AAC Semifinals: Memphis devastated by Houston — again

The Tigers came charging back in the second half, but their bad habit of turning the ball over stalled them. 

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Box score, AAC semifinal: Houston 76, Memphis 74

Sources say Simon, one of the Tigers’ best recruiters, was placed on administrative leave three weeks ago.

In Hardaway’s words, it’s time to play smarter, loosen up and “enjoy this moment.” 

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AAC quarterfinals: Memphis gets past unexpectedly resilient UCF

Box score, AAC quarterfinals: Memphis 70, UCF 62

Memphis defeated UCF on Friday to set up a rematch against the Houston Cougars. It’s the game everyone wanted. And now it is here.

March 12, 2021: The Memphis Tigers beat UCF in the AAC quarterfinals in Fort Worth, Texas.

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AAC quarterfinals: Memphis gets past unexpectedly resilient UCF

AAC tournament: To beat Houston, Tigers have to not beat themselves

D.J. Jeffries, DeAndre Williams and Lester Quinones took the reins in the second half. 

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AAC tournament: To beat Houston, Tigers have to not beat themselves

Box score, AAC quarterfinals: Memphis 70, UCF 62

The game ended on a controversial non-call following a Ja Morant drive. 

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Box score: Nuggets 103, Grizzlies 102

March 12, 2021: The Denver Nuggets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.

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Grizzlies fall to Nuggets in final seconds

In 57% of seats at the Liberty Bowl, ticket prices will be reduced.

Forward Kyle Murphy has made 116 appearances in five USL seasons.

March 11, 2021: Blackman defeated the Arlington Tigers in the Division I Class AAA quarterfinal game during the TSSAA girls basketball state tournament at Middle Tennessee State University Thursday, March 11, 2021, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

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Blackman beats Arlington in Class AAA girls basketball quarterfinals

After hard-fought win in front of a judge, the Tigers were unable to convert against a tough Blackman team.

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Box score: Blackman 58, Arlington 40

The Grizzlies are in a relatively good place; just because there might be options doesn’t mean they have to jump on them.

Twelve months after the sports world shut down, there are finally signs of hope. What did we learn about our relationship to sports during a year like no other? And (you really needed to know this) when will the Bongo Lady be back?

New Yorker Kadeem Dacres made 73 appearances for Saint Louis the past three seasons, scoring six times.