Turnovers and bad shooting doomed the Memphis Tigers, and contributed to a 1-2 record for Penny Hardaway and the Tigers to start the 2020-21 season as they exit South Dakota with loses to Western Kentucky and VCU. The Tigers lost Friday night (11/27) 70-59, shooting 35% (FG%)/26% from the arc (3P FG%), while turning the ball over 19 times. It was bad.
Yes, it was messy. Especially considering this VCU team was a last minute addition to a tournament where Memphis wanted to establish itself using it's "defensive identity". Instead Memphis couldn't take care of the ball and they were beaten by double-digits.
VCU's Jimmy Clark III came off the bench scoring 15 for VCU, while Keshawn Curry added 14 points and 5 rebounds.
Memphis was led in scoring by DJ Jeffries with 17 points. Jeffries was 1 of 5 from the 3-point arc, and had the highest volume of shots for Memphis (6-15 FG) on the night. Lester Quinones scored 11 points, while Boogie Ellis added 10.
VCU out-rebounded Memphis 35 to 34.
Next Game: Memphis plays Arkansas State on Wednesday (12/2) at FedExForum. Full analysis Monday (11/30) live on 92.9 FM ESPN, Memphis' Sports Station.
