CAN YOU FEEL IT NOW?

Memphis Tigers Make an Opening-Night Statement Against No. 18 Iowa State

Can you hear that? Better yet, can you feel it now?

That sound you hear isn’t just the basketball bouncing on the hardwood. It’s the sound of excitement returning to the city of Memphis. It’s the sound of hope, belief, and a basketball program reminding everyone that the Tigers are not going anywhere.

A few weeks ago, I asked Tigers fans to forget about last season. Forget the disappointment, forget the frustration, and embrace the possibilities of a new beginning.

Well, Tigers fans, how do you feel now?

On Monday night, the Memphis Tigers walked into the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and delivered a message to the college basketball world. With an impressive 80-76 victory over No. 18 Iowa State, Penny Hardaway and his Tigers gave Memphis something it desperately needed: a reason to believe again.

And what a way to start the season!

This Was More Than Just One Win

Let’s be clear. One victory doesn’t guarantee an NCAA Tournament appearance, a conference championship, or a magical March run. But sometimes, one victory can change the energy surrounding an entire program.

And that’s exactly what Monday night’s win felt like.

Coming off a disappointing 13-19 season, Memphis entered this year with plenty of questions. Could Penny Hardaway get this program back on track? Would this new group of players develop chemistry? Could the Tigers compete against nationally ranked opponents?

For at least one night, those questions received some encouraging answers.

Memphis didn’t just beat a ranked opponent. The Tigers stood toe-to-toe with a respected Big 12 program and found a way to finish the job.

That’s the type of toughness Memphis basketball has always been known for.

New Faces, Same Memphis Fight

Every successful basketball team needs someone willing to step forward when the lights shine brightest.

On Monday night, that player was Jayden Reid.

The senior guard delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 26 points, including 17 in the second half. When Iowa State tied the game at 69 with just over three minutes remaining, Reid refused to let the opportunity slip away.

He scored 11 points in the closing minutes, including a clutch three-pointer that helped put the Cyclones away.

That’s leadership. That’s confidence. That’s the type of performance that can turn a newcomer into a fan favorite overnight.

But Reid wasn’t alone.

Luke Almodovar contributed 18 points and eight rebounds, including an electrifying dunk to close the first half. Rihards Vavers added 15 points, giving Memphis three players in double figures.

The Tigers also connected on 45 percent of their three-point attempts and outrebounded Iowa State 38-36.

Those numbers tell part of the story. The bigger story was a group of players competing with confidence, energy, and determination.

Give Penny Hardaway His Credit

Penny Hardaway has heard the criticism. He’s faced the questions, endured the disappointing losses, and carried the expectations that come with leading the basketball program in his hometown.

And those expectations aren’t going anywhere.

But if we’re willing to criticize a coach when things go wrong, we must also acknowledge when things go right.

Monday night, things went right.

Hardaway had his team prepared to compete against a nationally ranked opponent on opening night. The Tigers played with purpose, responded to adversity, and made winning plays when they mattered most.

That’s coaching.

It doesn’t erase last season, nor does it answer every question about the future. But it gives Hardaway and his team something valuable to build upon.

Momentum.

Memphis Basketball Means Something Different

There’s something special about basketball in Memphis.

It’s more than a sport. It’s part of the city’s identity.

From the legendary teams of the past to the unforgettable moments inside the Mid-South Coliseum and FedExForum, Tigers basketball has always brought people together.

Memphis fans don’t expect perfection. They expect effort. They expect toughness. They expect players to understand what wearing that Memphis jersey represents.

And most importantly, they expect a team that refuses to back down.

Monday night’s performance looked a lot like the Memphis basketball we’ve been waiting to see.

Don’t Get Too Comfortable

Now comes the difficult part.

Following a statement victory with another strong performance.

The Tigers can’t afford to celebrate this win for too long. The season is young, the schedule will present new challenges, and opponents won’t care what happened against Iowa State.

Memphis must continue improving its defensive discipline, limiting unnecessary fouls, and developing chemistry.

The Tigers committed 29 fouls Monday night, a number that could become costly against future opponents.

There’s plenty of room for improvement, and that’s actually encouraging.

Because if this team can defeat the nation’s 18th-ranked program while still having areas to clean up, imagine what could happen as the season progresses.

Believe Again, Memphis

I said it before the season started, and I’ll say it again.

Last season is over.

We can’t change yesterday, but we can appreciate what today brings and remain excited about tomorrow.

The Tigers are 1-0. They’ve already defeated a nationally ranked opponent. They’ve given their fans a reason to smile, a reason to talk basketball, and most importantly, a reason to believe.

No, this victory doesn’t mean Memphis is headed to the Final Four.

But it does mean something.

It means the Tigers have taken their first step toward changing the narrative surrounding this program.

And sometimes, that first step is the most important one.

So, Memphis, turn up the volume. Wear your blue. Let the excitement return.

Because if Monday night was any indication, this basketball season might be a lot more interesting than some people expected.