Man, the Tigers gave us a scare last night.
Up by double digits for much of the game, the Tigers’ lead disappeared in the last 10 minutes of the second half. Entering the final seconds, UCF was up 63-62. Then Memphis knocked the ball out of one of the Knights’ hands and ran it down for a score at the other end to win by 1.
The Tigers may very well have preserved their NCAA tournament dreams with that last-minute steal. Joe Lunardi’s ESPN Bracketology has Memphis as the final team in Last Four Byes, meaning the Tigers would avoid having a play-in game Tuesday or Wednesday of the tournament’s opening week to make it into the first round. A loss to UCF last night likely would have moved Memphis into Lunardi’s First Four Out or Next Four Out column.
Next up for the Tigers is a BIG opportunity. They play #2 Houston, at Houston, on Sunday at 2 PM. A win there would move the Tigers out of the NCAA tournament bubble entirely. Memphis has the raw talent to do it, absolutely. They just gotta execute. Which means, don’t jack up a 3 attempt from 26 feet out as soon as you run down the court.
I’ll offer some advice: Years ago, the Grizzlies’ rookies were interviewed around the start of the season. They were asked what they had learned in practice. One rook said they had learned a general rule of thumb – if you can get the ball inside to Z-bo, get the ball to Z-bo. He’ll figure out what to do with it from there.
Let me offer the 2023 collegiate version of that rule: Tigers, if you can get the ball inside to DeAndre, get the ball to DeAndre. He’s the most experienced player on the squad. He’ll know what to do.
Fan site Grizzly Bear Blues is hiring a reporter to cover the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G-League affiliate that plays in Southaven.
Memphis lost a sports legend yesterday. Tim McCarver was a catcher in Major League Baseball from 1959 to 1980. Following his retirement as a player, he became a color commentator on baseball broadcasts. He called 23 World Series. The Memphis Chicks played their home games in a stadium named for him.
Downtowners, you can get a free steering wheel lock at the MPD precinct at 444 North Main. I especially recommend doing this if you drive a Hyundai or Kia.
A new beer fest is coming to Downtown. The announcement is kinda long, so I’m just gonna copy/paste
Join the Memphis Grizzlies and WISEACRE Brewing Co. for BrewFest on Sat., February 25th from 2:30-5:30pm at WISEACRE Brewing Company HQ.
Tickets purchased through this exclusive offer include entry to BrewFest, WISEACRE Brewing Co. beer tasting at BrewFest, and tickets to the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets game. BrewFest attendees will receive exclusive WISEACRE merchandise discounts, entry into a raffle to win signed Memphis Grizzlies items, and more!
Ticket Package Includes: Entry to BrewFest at WISEACRE Brewing Company HQ, 398 S B.B. King Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126
Tickets to the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets game, Tip-Off @ 7:00pm at FedExForum
WISEACRE beer tasting at BrewFest
WISEACRE merchandise discounts at BrewFest (10%) Entry into a raffle to win signed Memphis Grizzlies items
Parking is available on a first-come first-serve basis at BrewFest, and food will be available for purchase during the event.
Ticket link: https://Grizzlies.spinzo.com/Brewfest23
A very happy birthday to longtime Downtown bartender Jessica! Catch her at Local on Main today 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Here’s the NBA All-Star Weekend schedule. Tonight is the celebrity game (7 PM, ESPN) and the Rising Stars game (8 PM, TNT). The Grizzlies do not have anyone on the Rising Stars this year but former Tiger Jalen Duren will play for Team Joakim.
As for the celebrity game, I’ll be rooting for Team Ryan because WWE Superstar The Miz will be on it.
There’s a Mardi Gras party at Old Dominick at 2 Saturday.
Memphis Symphony Orchestra performs Star-Crossed Love – Romeo and Juliet at the Cannon Center Saturday.
Evan Ferris, Davy Ray Bennett, and Titus Waldenfels play Songwriter Night at South Main Sounds, 550 S. Main tonight at 7.
That’s it for now. Back tomorrow with more news.