With the best performance of the year, Memphis likely locked up a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The Tigers have all of the necessary knowledge and tools to crack Houston’s elite defense on Sunday.

It wasn’t just about winning games, or even the games themselves.

Winners of nine of their past 10 games, the Tigers are in a solid position for the NCAA Tournament. Beating Houston would make it even tougher for the committee to ignore them. 

Memphis defeated South Florida on Thursday, setting up Sunday’s game against Houston. It’s the biggest Tigers home game in years.

March 3, 2022: The Memphis Tigers defeat the South Florida Bulls at Yuengling Center in Tampa.

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Memphis does just enough to get by South Florida

Despite some lulls, the Tigers were able to fend off the Bulls’ late charge with Alex Lomax’s scoring run.

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Box score: Memphis 73, South Florida 64

The Bulls have a poor offense but surprising defense, which means Memphis shouldn’t underestimate them as Houston beckons.

Instead of shrinking as the pressure mounts, the Tigers have begun to rise to the occasion. Their goal, and the city’s, is within reach. 

There’s just two weeks left until Selection Sunday. Judging by the way the Tigers blasted Wichita State, they don’t appear to be leaving their invitation to chance. 

Feb. 27, 2022: The Memphis Tigers defeat the Wichita State Shockers at FedExForum.

Landers Nolley II was cooking and the defense locked up the Shockers for a commanding win for the Tigers.

Memphis, which beat the Shockers handily in January, needs to stick with the game plan.

Julie Barrett went to her very first game at FedExForum Thursday. But you’d have to travel a long way (1,000 miles, anyway) to find a more devoted Memphis Tigers fan. 

Steven Johnson and Frank Bonner II break down Memphis’ win over Temple and the retirement of linebacker Cole Mashburn.

With time running out in the first half, the Memphis Tigers were in dire straits. Which is when Penny Hardaway did something he rarely does. It was a brilliant stroke.

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Box score: Memphis 78, Temple 64 

After searching all season, the Tigers have finally found their go-to option on offense.

Feb. 24, 2022: The Memphis Tigers defeat the Temple Owls at FedExForum. 

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Duren’s career night helps Tigers prevail over scrappy Temple

Duren scored 22 points, and Landers Nolley II and Tyler Harris came alive in the second half to lead the Tigers.

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Box score: Memphis 78, Temple 64 

Memphis guard Earl Timberlake had missed the past two games.

The senior has cut off social media and slowed down his dating life to play his best for the Tigers.

The Owls are young and undersized, but still should prove to be a challenge for Memphis.

Have the Tigers learned what it takes to not let one loss snowball into more?