Exhibition games often go unnoticed, but on Oct. 15, the University of Memphis basketball program will host two significant games to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The “Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic” will feature Memphis facing two historic programs: the University of North Carolina men’s team and the reigning NCAA women’s champions, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
“We’re excited to partner with St. Jude and Complete Sports Management for this inaugural event,” said Memphis Athletics Senior VP, Ed Scott. “Supporting a monumental cause that impacts our community and the world is something Tiger Nation is proud to be part of.”
Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, added, “The Hoops for St. Jude Tip Classic is a powerful example of what can be achieved when sports and compassion come together.”
Under NCAA rules, teams can play two exhibition games before the season. Head coach Penny Hardaway has used exhibitions to fine-tune his squad against local schools like Lane and LeMoyne-Owen. This year, however, the stakes are higher with top-level competition.
Lady Tigers head coach Alex Simmons looks to build on the team’s momentum after finishing 13-17 (9-9 in conference) last season, including winning 5 of their last 6 regular-season games.
Hardaway’s men’s team is eager to bounce back from a disappointing season where they missed the NCAA tournament. While the full schedule hasn’t been released, key non-conference games include matchups against Clemson, Virginia, and defending national champions UConn in the Maui Classic.
The men’s game will tip off at 6 p.m. and be aired on ESPNU, while the women’s game starts at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN+. Tickets go on sale on September 15, with 100% of proceeds benefiting St. Jude.
