The Memphis Tigers entered the 2024-2025 college basketball season with lofty expectations. A No. 15 national ranking and a strong Maui Invitational show solidified the belief that this year’s squad could compete at the highest level. However, a concerning pattern has emerged in the Tigers’ slow starts. The trend was on full display in their latest 85-72 home loss to Arkansas State, a game that saw Memphis fall into an early deficit they could not overcome.
This issue isn’t isolated to a single game; it’s been a recurring theme throughout the season. As the Tigers prepare for a tough stretch of non-conference games, including matchups against Clemson, Mississippi State, and Virginia, addressing their first-half struggles will be critical to their success. Are these sluggish starts a symptom of deeper issues, or are they merely growing pains for a team still finding its identity?
The Arkansas State Game: A Microcosm of the Problem
Against Arkansas State, Memphis stumbled out of the gate. The Tigers shot under 20% from the floor late in the first half, while Arkansas State capitalized with efficient shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. The Red Wolves built an 18-point lead, aided by Memphis’ lack of offensive rhythm and defensive lapses. By halftime, Memphis trailed 38-37—a scenario far too familiar this season.
Despite a spirited second-half effort that briefly cut the lead to single digits, Memphis never found the consistency needed to close the gap fully. Arkansas State responded to every Memphis run, and the Tigers’ inability to sustain defensive pressure or generate high-percentage shots proved costly. The loss ended Memphis’ seven-game winning streak and knocked them out of the Top 25 rankings.
A Pattern of Sluggish Starts
The Arkansas State game wasn’t an anomaly. Memphis has consistently struggled to find their footing in the opening minutes of games this season:
- UNLV: The Tigers fell behind early before rallying in the second half for a 93-79 victory.
- San Francisco: Memphis trailed at halftime and relied on a late push to secure a narrow 68-64 win.
- Louisiana Tech: The Tigers entered halftime down by one but eventually pulled away in the final minutes.
While Memphis’s ability to recover and win games speaks to its resilience, the slow start pattern raises concerns about its readiness and execution from the opening tip.
Factors Contributing to Slow Starts
Heavy Reliance on Starters:
Memphis’ starting lineup—particularly P.J. Haggerty, Tyrese Hunter, and Coby Rogers—has carried the scoring load this season. With limited bench contributions, the starters are often tasked with generating momentum early in games. Fatigue and injuries, such as Haggerty and Rogers playing through nagging issues, may also play a role in the team’s sluggish starts.
Offensive Inconsistency:
The Tigers have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled with efficiency, especially in the first half of games. Against Arkansas State, Memphis shot 35% from the field and hit only six three-pointers. Poor shot selection and turnovers have further hampered their ability to establish a rhythm.
Defensive Gaps:
Memphis thrives when their defense fuels their offense, but slow rotations and breakdowns have allowed opponents to build early leads. Arkansas State’s 7-of-18 shooting from three-point range in the first half is a prime example of the Tigers failing to close out on shooters.
Adapting to Opponents:
The Tigers have faced a variety of playing styles early in the season, from UNLV’s up-tempo offense to Louisiana Tech’s defensive prowess. Adjusting to these styles mid-game has been a strength, but the lack of early-game preparedness has left Memphis playing from behind too often.
The Impact of Slow Starts
Slow starts have put Memphis in precarious positions, forcing them to expend significant energy just to get back into games. While this approach has worked against lesser opponents, it leaves little margin for error against elite teams. The Arkansas State loss is a reminder that digging a hole early can be too much to overcome, especially when facing a capable opponent.
Additionally, playing from behind limits Memphis’ ability to control the tempo and play to their strengths. Instead of dictating the game, the Tigers often react, disrupting their offensive flow and defensive intensity.
What Penny Hardaway Can Do to Address the Issue
Head coach Penny Hardaway is no stranger to adversity, and he has the tools to guide Memphis through this challenge. Here are some adjustments he can consider to address the Tigers’ slow starts:
Emphasize Preparation and Intensity:
Memphis must treat the opening minutes of games with the same urgency as the final stretch. Implementing high-intensity drills in practice that mimic game situations could help the team start with more focus and energy.
Expand the Rotation:
Hardaway could give more minutes to players like Dain Dainja and Moussa Cissé, who have shown the ability to make an impact off the bench to alleviate the burden on starters. Fresh legs in the opening minutes could provide a spark and set the tone defensively.
Adjust Defensive Schemes:
Tightening defensive rotations and implementing more aggressive schemes early in games could help Memphis disrupt opponents’ rhythm. Forcing turnovers and creating transition opportunities are hallmarks of Memphis basketball that must be emphasized.
Simplify Offensive Sets:
Early in games, simplifying offensive plays and focusing on high-percentage looks could help the Tigers establish a rhythm. Feeding the ball to consistent scorers like Haggerty and Hunter in the post or driving lanes could create momentum.
Looking Ahead
The Tigers have a chance to regroup and address these issues before their next game against Clemson on Saturday. With a tough slate of non-conference games, Memphis must learn from its mistakes and start games with the energy and execution necessary to compete at a high level.
While the loss to Arkansas State is a setback, it’s also a wake-up call. If Memphis can solve its slow-start problem, they have the talent and coaching to bounce back and build an impressive resume. The season is long, and the Tigers’ potential is still very much intact
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Jerry Parkhurst
December 10, 2024 at 9:51 pm
They need to share the ball . Look for the players who is open and can take a high percentage shot then get the ball to him. That is called an assist which leads to team ball.. In the Arkansas State game we only had two assists the first half. If the coaches insist during practice that the players can’t shoot unless the ball comes to them as an assist, then assist would come as second nature during the game.