Martin: Memphis escapes Rice. Tiger fans should probably get used to days like this.
Memphis guard Dug McDaniel (1) dribbles against Rice during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Houston. (Eric Christian Smith/AP)
John Martin
John Martin is a contributing college sports columnist for The Daily Memphian. Martin is a lifelong Memphian who’s covered the Memphis Tigers’ basketball program for more than a decade. Before joining The Daily Memphian team, he was the Memphis beat writer for The Athletic. Currently, he is the co-host of the Jason and John Show on 92.9 FM ESPN, weekdays at 11 a.m. Martin is a graduate of White Station High School and the University of Memphis.
After a grueling nonconference schedule mercifully concluded, University of Memphis basketball fans had two truths to fall back on.
One: The American is so bad, it can only be up from here.
Two: Once they get to American play, it’ll be smooth sailing for the Tigers, even in a down year.
Two games into conference play, it looks like only one of those truths still holds water in 2026.
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Box score: Memphis 76, Rice 70
Box score for Saturday’s NCAA men’s basketball game between the Memphis Tigers and Rice Owls played at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston.
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