MEMPHIS, Tenn — The Memphis Tigers Basketball team blew out Lane College 106-49 Sunday afternoon. This is the first time we have seen this team, made up of nine transfers, play together.
Even though this was an exhibition game, the Tigers were impressive. They shot 55% from the field and 50% from three, while five Tigers scored in the double digits.
Here are my five takeaways from the blowout win.
1. David Jones, the St. Johns transfer is a scorer. After the game head coach Penny Hardaway said Jones has the ability to be the Tigers’ best offensive weapon during the season. Jones led the team with 17 points. He also had a team high five assists.
2. Caleb Mills started at point guard today, with Jahvon Quinerly out. The Florida State transfer ran the offense extremely well. Mills led the team at the half with 9 points in his 10 minutes on the court. He shot 75% from the field and finished the game with 11 points.
3. Malcolm Dandridge is back for his fifth year, and he looks better than ever. He was all over the court. The former East High School standout was the most impressive player on defense and he was not just posting up on the offensive end. The big man repeatedly beat his marker off the dribble on his way to the rim. Dandridge finished the game with 14 points. After the game Penny said he expects great things from Malcolm this season.
4. Penny's son, freshman Ashton Hardaway shot the ball well. He played 18 minutes, shooting five of seven from the field and three of five from three, racking up 13 points. I believe he will play an important role in Penny's offense this year.
5. Despite this being the first time this team has played together at the forum the squad's chemistry was evident. They moved the ball efficiently, accumulating 24 assists throughout the game. Their transition game was also impressive. Memphis ended the game with 35 fast break points. Defensively the Tigers looked in sync. Lane College made a mere 26% of their shots from the field thanks to Memphis' high intensity. The Tigers also forced 24 turnovers and made 17 steals.
Memphis play their final exhibition game this Thursday, November 2, against LeMoyne-Owen College. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. from FedExForum.
After the game Penny said Quinerly did not play today because he 'slightly' hyperextended his knee. He said Quinerly might play against LeMoyne-Owen on Thursday.
