University of Memphis women’s basketball heads to South Carolina to play top-ranked Gamecocks.

Here’s what we loved, liked and hated about Memphis’ blowout of North Alabama.

Transfer from UTEP had a first half against North Alabama coach Penny Hardaway would love to see much more often. 

Memphis cruised to a 87-68 win over North Alabama on Wednesday night at FedExForum in a game that was more a dress rehearsal than anything else.

Related stories:

How Keonté Kennedy can help the Tigers become a Top 25 team

Tigers Talk: Upadhyaya and Martin on value of Damaria Franklin, more

Box score: Memphis 87, North Alabama 68

Box score for the NCAA men’s basketball game between the Memphis Tigers and North Alabama Lions played Wednesday, Nov. 30, at FedExForum in Memphis.

The Daily Memphian’s Parth Upadhyaya and John Martin bandy about the most intriguing questions surrounding the Memphis Tigers as of late.

Though this one looks like a sure win for Memphis, the Tigers’ matchup with North Alabama is exactly the type of contest that can be a trap game.

Related stories:

Martin: The Tigers are winning ugly. Will it be enough?

Tigers Basketball Insider: Time in Orlando, future MTEs will be vital for Memphis

The Tigers traveled to Orlando over Thanksgiving weekend to compete as one of eight teams in the ESPN Events Invitational. These early-season multi-team events — better known as MTEs — are valuable for many reasons.

An ugly win still counts as a win, and Memphis needs as many as it can get in the non-conference.

Scoring was balanced and 3-point shooting slightly improved for coach Penny Hardaway and the Tigers at the ESPN Events Invitational, but sluggish starts continue to prove problematic.

The 2022-2023 Memphis Tigers may not play a pretty brand of basketball. But the way they fight together? Head coach Penny Hardaway calls it “a beautiful thing.”

The University of Memphis Tigers played the Stanford Cardinal Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, at the ESPN Events Invitational in Kissimmee, Florida.

Kendric Davis led the way with 14 points; DeAndre Williams and Alex Lomax each added 12 points, and don’t forget Keonté Kennedy’s monster dunk as the Tigers leave Florida with two victories.

Related story:

Box score: Memphis 56, Stanford 48

While March is months away, coach Penny Hardaway’s team won’t have many chances for quality wins in a weak AAC. It must seize opportunities it has now. Beating the Cardinal at the ESPN Events Invitational would be a good start.

Penny Hardaway, DeAndre Williams have strong words in support of oft-criticized Tigers guard after he knocks down two 3-pointers in win over Nebraska.

A wild ride so far in Orlando including Friday’s bounce-back win over Nebraska and some challenging times for Memphis so far this season could pay dividends down the road.

Point guard Kendric Davis’ 21 points and seven assists led the way. Fifth-year forward DeAndre Williams added 16 points and seven rebounds.

Related story:

Box score: Memphis 73, Nebraska 61

NCAA men’s basketball box score for the Friday, Nov. 25 game between the Memphis Tigers and Nebraska Cornhuskers in the ESPN Events Invitational at Kissimmee, Florida.

The Tigers (2-2) take on the Huskers (3-2) at 4:30 p.m. CT on Friday, Nov. 25, at State Farm Field House in Kissimmee, Florida.

The Tigers lost to Seton Hall when a 6-10 player who hadn’t made a 3-pointer all season before Thursday banked one in at the buzzer. So how does the team get ready to play another game Friday? Former Memphis guard Trey Draper tried to help.

Seton Hall forward Tyrese Samuel banked a buzzer-beating 3-pointer off the glass to seal a 70-69 victory for his team.

Related story:

Box Score: Seton Hall 70, Memphis 69

NCAA men’s basketball box score for the Thursday, Nov. 24 game between the Memphis Tigers and Seton Hall Pirates from State Farm Field House in Kissimmee, Florida.

The Tigers have a key opportunity to pick up an NCAA Tournament-resume-boosting victory in their clash with the Pirates.

Tigers basketball beat writer Parth Upadhyaya is a fan of Memphis’ new court but wants to know your thoughts.

Kendric Davis, who finished with 26 points and seven assists, was clearly the difference. But how sustainable it’ll be throughout this season to have Davis play hero remains to be seen.