Memphis HC Penny Hardaway cools hot seat with upset of No. 18 Iowa State

After finishing 10th in the American and leading Memphis to its worst season since 1969, coach Penny Hardaway entered this year under considerable pressure. But that pressure has since dissipated after the Tigers upset No. 18 Iowa State 80-76.

Memphis’ defense was suffocating on the perimeter, as the Cyclones went 4-for-20 from 3-point range. Even more impressive, the Tigers held veteran Tamin Lipsey to 12 points, and Bradley transfer Jaquan Johnson to nine points, well short of his 16.9-point average from last season.

On offense, the Tigers’ newcomers clicked immediately. Northwestern transfer Jayden Reid led the way with 26 points and was perfect from beyond the arc. Southeast Missouri State transfer Luke Almodovar totaled 18 points to go along with eight rebounds, and Washington State transfer Rihards Vavers scored 15 points.

Hardaway’s gamble seemingly paid off

During the offseason, Hardaway said he needed $9 million to build a competitive squad capable of making a run in the NCAA Tournament, going so far as to offer $2.6 million of his own money.

Although athletic director Ed Scott fulfilled Hardaway’s request, fans still questioned whether he was the right person for the job. However, Hardaway’s reconstructed roster never trailed after the 14-minute mark in the second half and will likely put up a fight against No. 24 Vanderbilt and No. 11 Louisville over the next two weeks.