Memphis, Tennessee – Memphis bounced back with a solid 74-58 win against Southern Illinois at FedExForum. After a rough couple of weeks, the Tigers delivered a well-rounded performance that they desperately needed.
Memphis (now 2-4) showed its strength in depth. Fourteen players contributed to the game, with the bench scoring an impressive 50 points. Dug McDaniel and Julius Thedford led the charge, each scoring 15 points. McDaniel also recorded five assists, while Thedford energized the team on both offense and defense.
Southern Illinois (3-4) kept it close early, capitalizing on Memphis fouls and grabbing extra offensive rebounds. They narrowed the lead to seven points towards the end of the first half. Quante Berry stepped up, sinking two three-pointers in quick succession. This sparked a 10-2 run that pushed Memphis ahead 42-29 at halftime.
As the second half began, Memphis’s size and athleticism became evident. Seven-footer Aaron Bradshaw contributed 14 points, all scored in the second half, while going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. His eight consecutive points helped secure a 65-44 lead, the Tigers’ largest margin for the night.
Defensively, Memphis performed admirably, limiting SIU to just 31% shooting and holding their top scorer, Quel’Ron House, to only seven points. Though the teams tied in rebounds (40-40), Memphis denied Southern Illinois a chance for a comeback.
Zach Davis had a standout game with a season-high six rebounds. Berry and newcomer Hasan Abdul Hakim made valuable contributions off the bench. Hakim, in his first regular-season game, added four points and three rebounds.
This victory marked coach Penny Hardaway’s 96th win at FedExForum, and it was the first time Memphis faced Southern Illinois. The Tigers now have some time to prepare for their next home game against New Orleans on December 3.
Key Highlights
- Memphis showcased teamwork, with contributions from all corners of the bench.
- McDaniel has hit double digits in scoring in five of the last six games.
- Bradshaw’s perfect free-throw shooting was a standout moment.
- The Tigers are known for their defensive prowess, with a record of 47-3 when the opposition scores 60 points or fewer under Hardaway’s coaching.
In recent years, Memphis has maintained a strong presence in basketball, evidenced by their impressive record against Missouri Valley Conference teams—now winning 15 of their last 16 matchups. This success reflects both past and present strengths, and fans are hoping for continued improvements as the season unfolds.
The next few games, especially against New Orleans and Baylor, will be crucial for the Tigers. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the team aims to build momentum moving forward. For more updates on Memphis Tiger Men’s Basketball, visit Go Tigers Go and follow their social channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
