The Memphis Tigers are riding high after a decisive 87-70 victory over the 16th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday. The win secured another Quad 1 victory for Memphis and vaulted them back into the national spotlight. The Tigers are now ranked 21st in the latest Associated Press (AP) Top 25 Poll and hold the 25th spot in the Coaches Poll. This marks a significant turnaround for Penny Hardaway’s squad, who continue to bolster their resume with impressive wins during a challenging non-conference schedule.
Among the 25
Memphis’ journey back into the rankings has been anything but smooth. After suffering three losses earlier this season, including a double-digit defeat to Mississippi State, the Tigers found themselves on the outside looking in. However, Saturday’s statement win against Ole Miss—a ranked SEC opponent—proved enough for the voters to take notice again.
- AP Poll: Ranked 21st with 213 votes.
- Coaches Poll: Ranked 25th with 87 votes.
These rankings reflect the respect Memphis has garnered nationally for its strength of schedule and ability to rise to the occasion against top-tier programs. With multiple Quad 1 and Quad 2 victories, including wins over UConn, Michigan State, Clemson, Virginia, and now Ole Miss, Memphis has crafted one of the most compelling resumes in college basketball.
The Importance of Quad 1 Wins
Saturday’s win was a testament to Memphis’ ability to deliver in high-pressure games. Victories against ranked opponents like Ole Miss solidify their position in the rankings and boost their seeding prospects for the NCAA Tournament. As the selection committee evaluates teams based on quality wins and strength of schedule, Memphis’ ability to secure Quad 1 victories will be pivotal.
Bracketology Buzz
Recent bracketology projections highlight how well Memphis has positioned itself heading into AAC play. Analysts Jerry Palm and Joe Lunardi have placed Memphis in intriguing brackets that underscore the team’s potential and challenges.
Jerry Palm’s Bracketology:
Memphis is projected as a 4th seed in the Midwest region. The bracket includes powerhouses such as UConn, Tennessee, and Kansas, along with familiar foes like Clemson. While the Midwest region would be a gauntlet, Memphis has already proven its mettle by defeating some of these teams earlier this season.
Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology:
Lunardi projects Memphis as a 5th seed in the South region. This bracket features Auburn as the top seed and other notable teams like Kentucky, Clemson, and Ole Miss. A potential rematch against Auburn would be especially compelling, given Memphis’ earlier struggles against the Tigers.
These projections demonstrate Memphis’ upward trajectory and the respect it commands nationally. If the Tigers can maintain their current level of play, their seeding could climb even higher, potentially setting them up for a deep tournament run.
What Lies Ahead
The Tigers will shift their focus to AAC play, starting with a matchup against Florida Atlantic on Thursday. While the conference slate may lack the marquee opponents Memphis faced in non-conference play, it presents its own challenges. Every team will treat a game against Memphis as their “Super Bowl,” knowing the Tigers are the conference’s top contender.
The AAC opener against Florida Atlantic offers Memphis a chance to set the tone for the rest of the season. While the Owls are not the same juggernaut they were during their Cinderella run a few years ago, they remain a formidable opponent.
Key to Success: Maintaining Momentum
For Memphis to continue its climb, consistency will be key. The Tigers have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their wins against ranked opponents, but their three losses revealed areas that still need improvement, including rebounding and defending against size.
As Coach Penny Hardaway emphasized after the Ole Miss victory, the team must remain prepared for every challenge:
“As long as the Tigers are prepared, Memphis shouldn’t have any issues. But that doesn’t mean they may not take an occasional loss. It’s about maintaining what we’re doing and staying ready for every game.”
Final Thoughts
The Tigers’ non-conference slate has been a rollercoaster, but they emerge stronger, with a resume that positions them as one of the top programs in the country. With AAC competition looming, Memphis can build on its recent success, climb higher rankings, and solidify its NCAA Tournament seeding. The road ahead won’t be easy, but if the Tigers can maintain their momentum, they’ll be a team no one wants to face come March.
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