How Memphis basketball is approaching FAU game 11 months after heartbreaking loss
Penny Hardaway still believes if his Memphis basketball team gotten the ball past half-court in the closing seconds of last year's first-round NCAA tournament game against FAU, the Tigers would have won.
Instead, Kendric Davis' pass up the floor was deflected. The Owls took possession momentarily, but Davis gave Memphis some hope. He poked the ball out of Johnell Davis' hands, which is when Jayden Hardaway commenced the scramble.
"I still think about that play to this day," Jayden Hardaway said Friday. "It was right there, and I was just thinking, 'First to the floor. I've got to get this ball.' Because I felt the game slipping from our hands."
Replays show Jayden Hardaway pouncing on the ball and bringing it into his chest before multiple FAU players attempt to reach in for it. Davis and Alex Lomax immediately call timeout. Multiple referees blew their whistles and ruled the play a jump ball. FAU had the possession arrow. As time expired, the Owls made the game-winning shot.
That propelled FAU to a Final Four run, and Memphis' season was over.
That game, and more than 11 months' worth of anticipation, have set the stage for the rematch. On Sunday (1 p.m. CT, ESPN) at FedExForum, the Tigers (19-8, 8-6 AAC) and Owls (21-6, 11-3) will square off for the first time since that fateful March evening in Columbus, Ohio.
The dramatic backdrop could complicate how Memphis approaches the game, Penny Hardaway admits. But the sixth-year coach can't allow that to happen. Thanks to the position the Tigers find themselves in after a couple of nightmarish stretches in January and February, there are far more important things at stake than avenging a loss from the 2022-23 season.
"Obviously, we’re in a situation where we can’t do anything but go out and play hard and try to protect home court," he said. "It just so happens to be FAU."
And as formidable as the Owls were last season, coach Dusty May's team has not dropped off much this season. Apart from a couple of ugly nonconference losses (to Bryant and Florida Gulf Coast), FAU has enjoyed success on the strength of pillars Johnell Davis and Vladislav Goldin. Supporting cast members Alijah Martin, Nick Boyd and Bryan Greenlee are also all back for the Owls.
Which Penny Hardaway says is both good and bad.
"I mean, I know exactly who they are," he said. "(But) they're really damn good. It gives me an easier game plan, because now I know exactly who's who. (But) they're the closest-knit team in the country, to me. They do what they do . . . and they don't waver from who they are.
"If you're going to beat them, you've got to bring your hard hat."
DAVID JONES: Penny Hardaway gives David Jones injury update for Memphis basketball vs FAU
Memphis' leading scorer, David Jones, who left Wednesday's game against Charlotte with an eye issue, is expected to be able to play against FAU, along with backup center Jordan Brown (back) and Jayden Hardaway (concussion).
As much energy as the Tigers brought in their win over Charlotte, Jayden Hardaway said he and his teammates will have to bring more to the game against FAU.
"We know we can't just go out there like it's just any old game," he said. "We know they're bringing it every night. We're not trying to be a team to match another team's energy. We want to have the most energy on the floor."
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How Memphis basketball is planning for FAU 11 months after heartbreak
