The Memphis Tigers got away with 20 turnovers in a win over North Texas. That has to change deeper into American Conference play, and Penny Hardaway knows it.

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time for John Martin’s annual list of Memphis sports predictions for the new year.

The 6-3 guard, who finished with 10 points for his eighth double-digit scoring game of the season Wednesday, finally broke his silence.

Led by wing Zach Davis’ 12 points and six rebounds, Memphis overcame a disorganized offensive display that saw it tally 20 turnovers to go with 16 assists to win its American Conference season opener.

Related content:

Box score: Memphis 57, North Texas 48

Here’s the box score for the NCAA basketball game between the Memphis Tigers and the North Texas Mean Green that took place at FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

The Tigers quest to win the American’s regular-season and tournament titles for the second straight season will start with a matchup against the Mean Green.

Last offseason didn’t go as planned for coach Penny Hardaway and the Memphis Tigers basketball program. Is it too late to salvage this season as American Conference play is about to begin?

Parth Upadhyaya and John Martin answer some of the most pressing questions as the Tigers prepare to open conference play against North Texas.

Here are three things we know about Memphis as it gets set to open an 18-game American Conference slate with a matchup against North Texas on Dec. 31 at FedExForum.

Led by point guard Dug McDaniel’s 23 points, the Tigers picked up an 88-67 win over Alabama State on Monday night at FedExForum.

Related content:

Box score: Memphis 88, Alabama State 67

Box score for the NCAA basketball game between the Memphis Tigers and the Alabama State Hornets at FedExForum on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025.

Memphis, on a three-game losing streak, takes on an Alabama State team that has lost its last five games.

“That’s the main reason — one of the main reasons — why we’re 4-7,” Hardaway said. “Because of the (lack of) discipline, sacrifice and buy-in — in every facet of what we’re trying to do here at Memphis.”

Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers are having late-game woes, and Saturday’s loss to Mississippi State was no exception. But Curtis Givens III says it’s fixable.

Despite an 18-point performance from guard Curtis Givens III, Memphis was unable to pull out the win in Starkville as the Bulldogs prevailed.

Related content

Box score: Mississippi State 71, Memphis 66

Box score for the University of Memphis game against Mississippi State Saturday, Dec. 20 in Starkville, Mississippi.

Perhaps not everyone has bought in. Perhaps not everyone cares. Perhaps some are simply cashing a check. A leader like Dug McDaniel would know.

A matchup versus Mississippi State provides Memphis a chance to add a second Quad 2 win to its resume.

With a 4-6 start, things are looking bleak for Memphis basketball. But the Tigers haven’t lost hope.

“We definitely have to fight the (feeling of defeat) as a staff for the (players) not to get down and start giving in and caving in,” Memphis coach Penny Hardaway said after the Tigers’ loss to Vanderbilt.

The Commodores outscored the Tigers 15-8 in the five-minute overtime period.

Related content:

Box score: Vanderbilt 77, Memphis 70 (OT)

Box score for the NCAA basketball game between the Memphis Tigers and the Vanderbilt Commodores at FedExForum on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.

Coach Mark Byington’s Vanderbilt Commodores are undefeated and on what is currently the nation’s fifth-longest win streak.

While it’s probably unwise to base anything off one particular game, the magnitude of the loss to Louisville should cause any Memphis fan to wonder what should be taken from it.

It didn’t take long after the Tigers tipped off against the Cardinals inside a raucous KFC Yum! Center in a 99-73 loss for one to wonder if Penny Hardaway’s team truly recognized the magnitude of the moment.