by Don Mooney
Not convincing yet the season opener streak under Coach Hardaway still alive with win over San Fran. photo by Don Mooney
Memphis, TN—Under Penny Hardaway Tigers remain perfect in season openers as Memphis heismans San Francisco rally for a 76–70 victory Saturday afternoon inside FedExForum.
The Tigers (1-0) never trailed after the opening minute, building a lead as large as 23 points and improving to 75-30 all-time in season openers. The win also extended Memphis’ streaks to 23 consecutive home-opening victories and eight straight season-opening wins.
Tigers in hustle mode during season opener made it difficult for Bayhawks in first half. photo by Don Mooney
Quante Berry led the way with 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including a career-best four 3-pointers, while Sincere Parker added 15 points and six rebounds. Dug McDaniel filled the stat sheet with 11 points, a team-high eight assists and four steals. It marks the 11th time in his career he’s recorded eight or more assists in a game. Hometown guard Julius Thedford anchored the frontcourt effort with a career-high nine rebounds and three assists off the bench in just 17 minutes. Eight of his boards came in the first half.
photo by Don Mooney
Memphis’ depth shined, as the bench contributed 37 points, while its relentless defensive pressure forced 15 steals and 15 turnovers – converting those into 12 points. The Tigers also controlled the glass, pulling down 17 offensive rebounds that led to 22 second-chance points. It marked the fifth time since 1996-97 Memphis has opened a season with at least 15 steals, joining the 2023-24, 2013-14, 2010-11 and 2008-09 teams.
photo by Don Mooney
Freshman Simon Majok made the most of his collegiate debut, knocking down his first career shot – a 3-pointer from the top of the circle – and finishing with five points, two rebounds and a block in nine minutes.
Memphis led 36-22 at halftime and opened the second half with a 12–3 run before the Dons (1-1) surged back behind Mookie Cook’s 18 points and Tyrone Riley IV’s 15. San Francisco cut the deficit to four in the final minute, but McDaniel’s late layup and two clutch free throws from Zach Davis sealed the win.
As a team, the Tigers shot 39.4% from the field (26-66) and 10-for-27 from 3-point range (37%), while holding the Dons to 40% overall and 33% from deep.
photo by Don Mooney
With the win, Memphis improved to 10-0 against unranked West Coast Conference opponents since 2000, including 4-0 all-time versus San Francisco. The Tigers are also 94-14 at FedExForum under Hardaway and 65-25 against nonconference foes during his tenure, holding 50 of those opponents to 70 points or fewer.
photo by Don Mooney
UP NEXT
Memphis now turns its focus to its first road test of the season at Ole Miss on Monday (8 p.m., SEC Network).