MEMPHIS, Tenn. — If Kendric Davis had any nerves facing his old team, he didn't show it. The fifth-year senior was nearly flawless in Memphis' win over SMU, 99-84.
Davis posted a double-double, 25 points and 11 assists in 31 minutes. He also added seven rebounds and shot 10-11 from the free throw line against the Mustangs, where he spent the first four years of his college career.
At SMU, Davis recorded 1,315 points (17.5 ppg), 300 rebounds (4.0 rpg) and 445 assists (5.9 apg) across 75 career games. He was the AAC Player of the Year in 2021-22 before transferring to Memphis and head coach Penny Hardaway.
If there were any nerves facing his old team, Davis did not show it.
"It was emotional just because I've been there so long. Coach (Hardaway) called me into his office just before tip off and told me to calm down because he knew I was going to be on 10," Davis said. "That helped me calm down, knowing he knew what was at stake. I'm just glad we got the win."
Memphis led by as many as 29 points over SMU. On top of Davis' stellar performance, where he nearly reached a double-double in the first half, five Tigers scored in double figures.
Keonte Kennedy was the second leading scorer with 16 points on 4-of-7 field goals, including 3-of-5 from three. DeAndre Williams added 13 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.
The game also served as the official 100th win for Head Coach Penny Hardaway. Unofficially, that win was on Sunday in the 75-68 win over SMU. The IARP took one win from Hardaway for NCAA violations regarding playing James Wiseman in 2019. He now holds a record of 100-48 (.675)
"I'm celebrating both days because we're winning." Hardaway said. "My thing is... to go one and oh. No matter how it looks, I'm just thankful for all of it."