In another electrifying display of resilience and determination, the Memphis Tigers Men’s Basketball team emerged victorious, again toppling a formidable, ranked opponent. This time, their conquest came at the expense of the 13th-ranked Clemson Tigers, hailing from the highly competitive ACC. With a thrilling 79-77 triumph over Clemson, Memphis secured another marquee win, marking their third conquest of a ranked adversary this season.
From the opening tip-off, it was evident that this matchup would be an intense battle, a clash of titans where both teams traded blows and counterpunches throughout the contest. Initially, it was Clemson who seized control, setting the tone for the game’s early stages. However, as the Memphis Tigers found their rhythm and footing, the game took an exhilarating turn.
Leading the charge for Memphis in this epic showdown was forward David Jones, who contributed a team-high 22 points to secure the victory over Clemson. While this performance might not rank among Jones’s most exceptional outings of the season, he displayed his ability to make critical plays that paved the Tigers’ path to success. Despite converting just one of his five attempts from beyond the arc, Jones’s overall performance was pivotal in ensuring Memphis remained competitive. At the free throw line, Jones connected on nine of 12 attempts.
Jahvon Quinerly, another key contributor for Memphis, delivered yet another solid performance. He added 17 points, six assists, two rebounds, and three steals to his name. Quinerly’s well-rounded game provided invaluable support and complemented the team’s collective effort to secure the win.
However, one glaring issue that Memphis faced during this matchup was their struggles behind the three-point line. The Tigers managed to connect on only four of their 26 long-range attempts. This deficiency in three-point shooting could have potentially cost them the game. Yet, it speaks volumes about Memphis’s resilience and adaptability that they found alternative paths to victory.
One significant challenge Memphis had to contend with was Clemson’s imposing size and physicality. In the early stages, the Tigers struggled to maneuver around Clemson’s formidable presence on the court. However, as the game progressed, they made the necessary adjustments to navigate their opponent’s size advantage.
The addition of Nae’Qwan Tomlin, a transfer portal acquisition, is poised to bolster Memphis’s frontcourt. This is particularly crucial, given the absence of Jordan Brown due to illness and Malcolm Dandridge’s propensity for foul trouble. Tomlin’s arrival promises to enhance the team’s depth and versatility in the paint, providing much-needed support for the Tigers. The former Kansas State Wildcat was seen at Saturday’s game but did not see action.
Despite Memphis’s impressive performance against ranked opponents recently, they have been inexplicably overlooked in the top 25 college basketball rankings. The win over 13th-ranked Clemson should be an irrefutable argument for their inclusion. Their consistent ability to conquer ranked programs highlights their competitiveness and positions them as legitimate contenders.
A college basketball program’s ranking in the top 25 carries several advantages. First and foremost, it provides well-deserved recognition for the team’s hard work and achievements. A top 25 ranking signifies that a team is among the elite in college basketball, an honor that can attract top-tier recruits and boost the program’s reputation.
Moreover, a spot in the top 25 provides a sense of validation for the players and the coaching staff. It affirms that their efforts have not gone unnoticed and are part of something special. The excitement and pride of being a ranked team can also invigorate the fan base, fostering a stronger connection between the team and its supporters.
Additionally, a top 25 ranking can have a tangible impact on a team’s postseason prospects. It improves their positioning in NCAA Tournament discussions, potentially leading to more favorable seeding. This, in turn, enhances their chances of making a deep tournament run and competing for a national championship.
In conclusion, Memphis’s victory over 13th-ranked Clemson was another testament to their resilience and ability to excel against top-tier competition. With multiple wins against ranked programs recently, the Tigers have recently solidified their case for inclusion in the top 25 college basketball rankings. Achieving a top 25 ranking would recognize their accomplishments and open doors to greater opportunities and success in college basketball.
What Lies Ahead?
On Tuesday, the Tigers will host another top-25-ranked opponent, the Virginia Cavaliers. On the same day that the Clemson versus Memphis showdown occurred, the Cavaliers were locked into an intense battle with their opponent, Northeastern. They would hold on to win 56-54. The Cavaliers are ranked 22nd in the Associated Press top 25 poll and 21st in the Coaches.
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