Dain Dainja went to Baylor wanting to be a small forward. Penny Hardaway and the Tigers had a different idea, and it’s paying big.

A big second inning by Valparaiso and hitting struggles by Memphis caused the Tigers to fall Sunday. 

Dain Dainja tied his career with 22 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks and three steals in just 27 minutes as the No. 22 Tigers blew past FAU in an 84-65 victory.

Related content: 

Box Score: Memphis 84, Florida Atlantic 65

Here is the box score for the Memphis Tigers’ game against Florida Atlantic at FedExForum on Sunday, Feb. 23. 2025.

While being inducted into the University of Memphis M Club Hall of Fame, Chris Douglas-Roberts told fans why No. 14 isn’t hanging in the rafters of FedExForum. 

The Dragons’ first-year coach Kendrick Watkins said he couldn’t be more proud over his team’s win in Saturday’s District 15-4A girls basketball semifinal. Also, Cordova’s Ashton Boswell wins state wrestling title.

The Tigers are looking to regain their edge following an overtime road loss to Wichita State. They play Florida Atlantic on Sunday (1 p.m., ESPN2) at FedExForum. 

Now in his 42nd year at the school, Lee Smith celebrated after reaching 700 victory milestone earlier in the season.

The Memphis Grizzlies missed 26 of their 33 3-point attempts, committed 15 turnovers, surrendered a 23-4 run to start the third quarter, but dug down to dig the game out. 

Related content:

Box score: Grizzlies 105, Magic 104

This is the box score for the NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida.

He is less than thrilled with where many of the experts have the Tigers projected in the NCAA Tournament field. 

Also, an injury to San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanayama could increase Jaren Jackson Jr.’s chances to win Defensive Player of the Year for a second time. 

Drew Hill and Chris Herrington discuss the All-Star break, Desmond Bane’s jersey retirement and Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman’s statement on Ja Morant trade rumors. 

The Grizzlies started well, but never came back after giving up 50 points in the second quarter.

Related content:

Box score: Pacers 127, Grizzlies 113

Grizzlies set to sign forward Lamar Stevens

This is the box score for the NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Memphis Grizzlies are making a signing, and it’s a familiar face.

Tacarien Freeman and Haylie Burton were honored after strong performances last week.

Sixteen years with the Owls was a “magic carpet ride,” Cliff Frisby said after his decision to retire was made public. A former MUS golfer has been tapped to succeed him.

Several Memphis-area could be in contention beginning Friday in Franklin.

Morant was targeted by Chilean thieves, who allegedly took $1 million in property from the Grizzlies star’s Eads home.

Related story:

FBI charges seven Chilean men with burglarizing star athletes, including one Grizzly

The NCAA made a change to a result on the Tigers’ schedule on Thursday, which gives coach Penny Hardaway’s team another Quadrant 1 win. 

Memphis’ record at Elma Roane Fieldhouse improves to 6-5 on the season with two home games left.

The FBI complaint in Tampa federal court lists burglaries targeting the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals and players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies.

Tigers basketball beat writer Parth Upadhyaya and college-sports columnist John Martin break down how consequential the Tigers’ overtime loss to Wichita State will end up being.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane sat down for an exclusive interview with The Daily Memphian before TCU retired his college-jersey number.