It’s been a November to remember for sports fans in Memphis – and we’re not quite done yet.
Last week gave us a hoops doubleheader at FedExForum while the University of Memphis Tigers took out South Florida last week in Tampa. Tiger Basketball is in New York for tournament action, but there’s no shortage of big games on Black Friday. A quick rundown:
Memphis Tigers (10-1) vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (10-1) • Friday, Nov. 29, 2:30 p.m.
Liberty Bowl Stadium, Memphis, Tenn.
The Memphis Tigers football team was favored to win every game this season – and indeed, they might have gone undefeated were it not for a controversial call against Temple.
But here they are at 10-1, preparing to host their regular season finale on Black Friday against the 10-1 AAC East powerhouse Cincinnati Bearcats.
Expect a battle. Cincinnati boasts one of the toughest defenses Memphis has faced all season. And the Tigers are among the most explosive teams in the nation on offense.
If successful, the Tigers will win a spot in the AAC Championship game and the dream of a spot in the Cotton Bowl will live on.
It will be an emotional day for the Tigers – the final game for seniors like Austin Hall, Joey Maginifico, Antonio Gibson and others. The Tigers have won the last two AAC West titles on their home turf. Can they make it one more?
– Terry Davis
Memphis Grizzlies (5-11) vs. Utah Jazz (10-1) • Friday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m.
FedExForum, Memphis, Tenn.
A familiar face returns (again) to FedExForum on Friday.
Just two weeks after an emotional return, Mike Conley and the Utah Jazz will be back in Memphis looking for revenge. The Grizzlies spoiled Conley’s return on Nov. 15, 107-106, with rookie sensation Ja Morant leading the charge with 25 points.
After the Utah game, the Grizzlies play a back-to-back, first traveling to Minneapolis to play the Timberwolves on Dec. 1 before returning to FedExForum to play the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 2. Then, another quick run up to Chicago to play the Bulls on Dec. 4.
– Lee Eric Smith
