In the wake of Memphis’s 79-66 home loss to Mississippi State, Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway offered a measured yet introspective view of his team’s progress and shortcomings. The loss marked Memphis’s third of the season and another missed opportunity to solidify their resume with a key non-conference win. Yet Hardaway’s post-game comments reflected a broader perspective on his team’s growth, their tough schedule, and the lessons to be learned moving forward.
“Did I wanna win? Absolutely, I want to win today. But it’s not the end of the world, this one game. We just gotta keep growing, keep getting better, and keep putting ourselves in a position to get better and better and learn every game that we play,” Hardaway said.
This quote underscores Hardaway’s belief in the long-term potential of his team, even as they face growing pains against some of the nation’s toughest competition.
The Challenge of a Grueling Schedule
Memphis entered the season with one of the most challenging non-conference schedules in the country, facing programs like UConn, Clemson, Virginia, and now Mississippi State. The Tigers have shown flashes of brilliance, with significant wins against Clemson and Virginia on the road. However, Arkansas State and Mississippi State losses exposed weaknesses in rebounding, perimeter defense, and handling pressure against physical teams.
Hardaway acknowledged the difficulty of balancing development and immediate results against such formidable opponents:
“This new team [is] having to play, to me, one of the top three hardest non-conference schedules in the country. It’s like you got two days to prepare for Mississippi State. It’s not easy. So again, we asked for this schedule. We’re gonna have to deal with it,” he stated.
The demanding slate provides valuable experience for the Tigers but has also highlighted areas where they must improve to achieve their lofty aspirations.
Recurring Issues: Turnovers and Toughness
Hardaway has been candid about Memphis’s struggles in key areas, particularly turnovers and physicality. Against Mississippi State, the Tigers turned the ball over 18 times, leading to easy scoring opportunities for the Bulldogs. Additionally, Memphis was out-rebounded 46-32, a theme that has plagued them in losses this season.
“We got out-rebounded by, I think, 17. That’s not being tough,” Hardaway said. He also recounted challenging his players during the game: “They’re saying we’re soft. We are soft. And at that moment, I was trying to give them the understanding.”
This blunt assessment reflects Hardaway’s efforts to instill a sense of urgency and toughness in his players as they prepare for the grind of conference play.
What’s Next for Memphis?
Despite the loss, Hardaway remains optimistic about his team’s trajectory. The Tigers have a week to regroup before their final non-conference matchup against No. 19 Ole Miss, another SEC opponent with a strong resume. With their current ranking in jeopardy, a win against Ole Miss is crucial to Memphis’s efforts to stay in the national conversation and maintain their NCAA Tournament hopes.
The game against Ole Miss also allows Memphis to refine their chemistry and address their weaknesses. As Hardaway noted, the goal is to keep improving to be at their best in February and March.
“We’re growing and getting better every game. So it’s gonna be scary by the time February or March comes around. We’re playing all these different teams and all these different games. And our guys have some experience together to understand who we really can beat,” he said.
What We’ve Learned So Far
- The Tigers Can Compete with Top Teams
Memphis has proven they can go toe-to-toe with elite programs, evidenced by wins over Clemson and Virginia. These victories bolster their resume and demonstrate their potential when playing at their best. - Rebounding and Turnovers Remain Problematic
Against physical teams like Mississippi State, Memphis has struggled to control the boards and limit turnovers. Addressing these issues will be critical as they transition to American Athletic Conference play. - Depth and Conditioning Are Pressures
Hardaway has leaned heavily on a core group of players, which may contribute to fatigue in back-to-back games against tough opponents. Developing depth will be essential for long-term success. - Every Game is a Lesson
Hardaway’s emphasis on learning and growth focuses on the bigger picture. While individual losses are disappointing, the team’s ability to grow from these experiences will determine their success in March.
Game Recap
Returning home after an impressive two-game road trip that included victories over Clemson and Virginia, the Memphis Tigers hoped to carry their momentum into Saturday’s matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. However, the Bulldogs had other plans. In a game highlighting Memphis’s recurring struggles with slow starts and physical opponents, Mississippi State controlled the game from start to finish, handing the Tigers a 79-66 defeat at FedExForum.
First Half: Bulldogs Take Command
The Tigers entered Saturday’s contest with high expectations after a week that saw them climb back into the Associated Press Top 25 rankings at No. 21. Unfortunately, their homecoming began sourly. Mississippi State wasted no time setting the tone, using their size, rebounding prowess, and defensive discipline to disrupt Memphis’s rhythm.
The Bulldogs exploited Memphis’s inability to secure defensive rebounds, leading to multiple second-chance opportunities. Mississippi State’s offensive balance was on full display, with Cameron Matthews and Josh Hubbard providing timely buckets. Meanwhile, Memphis’s offense sputtered, shooting under 40% from the field in the first half.
By halftime, Mississippi State held a commanding 48-32 lead, capitalizing on Memphis’s poor shot selection and defensive lapses. The Tigers’ inability to respond to the Bulldogs’ physicality left them searching for answers during the break.
Second Half: Bulldogs Maintain Control
Despite Memphis’s reputation for strong second-half performances, the Tigers could not mount a significant comeback. Mississippi State continued to dominate the boards, finishing the game with a 46-32 rebounding advantage, including 11 offensive rebounds that led to 13 second-chance points. Memphis struggled to find consistent offensive contributions outside PJ Haggerty and Tyrese Hunter.
The Bulldogs’ physicality and composure under pressure allowed them to maintain their lead throughout the second half. While Memphis briefly trimmed the deficit to single digits, Mississippi State responded with timely baskets or defensive stops each time. The Tigers’ frustrations were evident as their shooting woes extended into the second half, particularly from beyond the arc, where they finished just 5-of-21 (23.8%).
Cameron Matthews (12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) and Josh Hubbard (13 points, 3 rebounds) led the way for Mississippi State, while the team’s disciplined defense forced Memphis into tough shots and limited second-chance opportunities.
Key Performances
- Memphis: PJ Haggerty continued his strong season with 24 points and five rebounds. Tyrese Hunter added 19 points and seven rebounds, but the Tigers lacked contributions from key players like Colby Rogers, who managed just two points on 1-of-8 shooting.
- Mississippi State: Besides Matthews and Hubbard, Dashawn Davis chipped in with 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists, showcasing the Bulldogs’ balanced attack.
Key Stats
- Rebounds: Mississippi State 46, Memphis 32
- Field Goal Percentage: Mississippi State 47.5%, Memphis 38.6%
- Three-Point Percentage: Mississippi State 38.5%, Memphis 23.8%
- Free Throws: Mississippi State 19-of-26 (73.1%), Memphis 7-of-11 (63.6%)
Final Thoughts
The loss to Mississippi State is a setback for the Tigers, but it does not define their season. Hardaway’s perspective highlights the balance between immediate results and long-term growth. As the team prepares for Ole Miss and the grind of AAC play, the lessons learned from their rigorous non-conference schedule could serve as the foundation for a strong postseason push.
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