Oklahoma State builds an early lead, then hangs on to defeat Missouri 38-33 on big defensive plays in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Two new sports franchises, a world-class golf tournamaent and the arrival of James Wiseman mean 2019 could be an historic year in Memphis sports. Here are the top 10 most compelling Memphis sports figures of the year ahead (and, no, Penny Hardaway is not No. 1). 

If Chandler Parsons wants playing time, he can prove he deserves it by playing for the Hustle. Right now, his public criticism of the franchise seems both premature and ungrateful. 

Penny Hardaway was the most compelling Memphis sports figure of 2018. But here are 10 more who shaped the year. 

Houston: 113, Memphis: 101

Chandler Parsons last played for the Grizzlies in late October. He wants to return now, a feeling apparently not shared by Grizzlies' management. Should Parsons play? Is he right to make his plaint public?

Legendary figures have made the AutoZone Liberty Bowl special for 60 years.

Just one year ago, Memphis Tiger basketball was an embarrassment. New coach Penny Hardaway has changed everything. 

Marshall University defensive coordinator Adam Fuller was officially named University of Memphis defensive coordinator, according to a university release Saturday. 

Instead of sitting out, Missouri quarterback Drew Lock relishes the chance for one final game.

The Grizzlies lost another big lead and then let a close game slip away, as they fell to the Boston Celtics 112-103. 

Dozens of former Tiger athletes have come from as far away as Australia and South Africa on the international front and New York and Florida in the U.S. to call Memphis home.

Kyrie Irving had 26 points and 13 assists, Al Horford added 18 points, including a pair of key 3-pointers in the closing 1:32, and the Boston Celtics rallied for a 112-103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

With another Baseball Hall of Fame class on the verge of being named, the question again arises over whether those using performance enhancing drugs deserve the sport's unlimate recognition

Clubhouse and office renovations are slated for AutoZone Park to accommodate the Memphis Redbirds and the inaugural season of Memphis 901 FC, the city's new soccer team.

As the Grizzlies recover from a pre-holidays rough patch, we sort through the pressing issues, including Jaren Jackson Jr.'s usage, Shelvin Mack's regression, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol's improving play, and Dillon Brooks' return. 

Liberty Bowl competitors Missouri and Oklahoma State are looking forward for the chance to see how they stack up offensively and defensively.

High school lacrosse gains TSSAA sanction, opening the door for more competition and increased opportunities for potential players.

Three local players are returning home to help Missouri in the Liberty Bowl.

Once Penny Hardaway successfully recruited Alex Lomax (East) and Tyler Harris (Cordova) to Memphis, it was clear that there was going to be a squeeze at guard for minutes.

The Memphis Grizzlies benefited from early poor shooting by Cleveland to build enough of an advantage and hold off a late charge by the Cavaliers for a 95-87 victory.

Marc Gasol had 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists to help the Memphis Grizzlies beat Cleveland Cavaliers 95-87 on Wednesday night.

Memphis: 95; Cleveland: 87

BIRMINGHAM — He made the first one. Riley Patterson drilled the 38-yard field goal to send the game into overtime. Except Wake Forest called timeout just before the snap. So he had to kick the thing again.

Mike Norvell sat at the podium with quarterback Brady White, running back Tony Pollard and cornerback TJ Carter after the Tigers' 37-34 loss to Wake Forest and expressed excitement about the future of his program.