MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Southern Illinois men’s basketball team is set to face another daunting challenge on Wednesday, Nov. 26, as they take on Memphis at 7 p.m. This game follows a demanding stretch on the road, marking the Salukis’ fifth consecutive away contest after starting the season with two wins at the Banterra Center.
Memphis, a team with a storied history as a national championship contender, currently finds itself in a difficult position with a record of 1-4. They began the season with a victory over San Francisco, but have since suffered four straight losses against Ole Miss, UNLV, Wake Forest, and top-ranked Purdue. Despite their struggles, the Tigers pushed the Boilermakers and lost by only eight points, while their defeat to Wake Forest came by just a single point, both in neutral-site games.
“This is going to be a major test for our team,” said SIU head coach, emphasizing the importance of starting strong in a tough environment. Memphis is led by former NBA All-Star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, a program alum who aims to steer the Tigers back to prominence. Senior guard Dug McDaniel stands out for Memphis, averaging nearly 15 points per game and leading the team in assists, turnovers, and steals. His performance is vital, as much of the Tigers’ offensive strategy revolves around him.
From beyond the arc, Memphis has struggled somewhat, shooting only 32 percent from three-point range, although Hardaway’s son, Ashton, has been their most reliable shooter from that distance, converting on 37 percent of his attempts. The Tigers have shown strength on the boards, with sophomore guard Julius Thedford grabbing an average of 5.4 rebounds per game, helping them slightly outrebound their opponents.
The upcoming game will take place at the FedExForum, home to the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Saluki Radio Network. Southern Illinois, having gone 1-3 during this road stretch, is prepared to tackle the unique challenges posed by each game, hoping for a turnaround against the struggling Memphis team. As both squads look to regain momentum, this matchup promises to be a pivotal moment in their young seasons.