Penny Hardaway wasn’t named AAC Coach of the Year Wednesday. But no coach in the country has done more in the past two months.

Even after the energizing regular-season finale win over Houston, the Tigers want to eliminate any doubts about NCAA.

Jalen Duren is the third straight Tiger to win Freshman of the Year. 

Jamirah Shutes scores 16 for Memphis, which ends season 16-12.

Memphis will be one of eight teams competing.

The Tigers are now 20th in the country in assists per game.

Jamirah Shutes leads Tigers into second round against South Florida.

March 6, 2022: The University of Memphis Tigers defeat the Houston Cougars at FedExForum.

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.