Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-21 Memphis Tiger basketball season ended with the Tigers cutting down nets. Six games were cancelled and fan attendance was limited. But head coach Penny Hardaway was able to still win the National Invitational Tournament. While most Tiger fans are not pleased with making the NIT, it was still a huge moment seeing Hardaway win his first championship as Memphis’ coach.
Heading into the NIT
Memphis would lose two heartbreaking games to conference rival Houston. This left it on the outside looking in for March Madness. But Memphis still heard its name called on Selection Sunday when it got announced as a No. 1 seed in the NIT. This wasn’t the goal heading into the season as they had National Championship hopes. Regardless, the team seemed to embrace its situation and wanted to win the whole thing.
National Invitational Tournament
In the first round and quarterfinals, Memphis snuck by both Dayton and Boise State. This set up a semifinal matchup against a very talented Colorado State team. The Rams featured current Grizzlies player David Roddy. The Tigers were up for the challenge, though, routing the Rams 90-67 with Landers Nolley scoring a team-high 27 points.
Championship Game
In the NIT Championship game, Memphis matched up against local rival Mississippi State. Memphis would come out of the gates hot, finding themselves with a 15-3 lead in the first 8 minutes. However as the first half went on the Bulldogs slowly cut into the lead and even tied it with a layup going right into halftime.
In the second half, Memphis would quickly regain control. Two consecutive three-pointers by Boogie Ellis would give the Tigers a 9-point lead with 15 minutes to play. Memphis would control the game the rest of the way thanks to intense defense and productive offense. Ellis, DeAndre Williams, DJ Jeffries and Nolley combined for 60 of Memphis’ 77 points.
As the time started to wind down, The Tigers had grown a big enough lead to put in beloved walk-on Connor Glennon. Seeing this performance confirmed to Tigers fans that this was a team that could have made a run in the NCAAs.
Needless to say, Memphis beat Mississippi State 77-64 to win the NIT title. Hardaway had officially earned his first piece of hardware as head coach. While not every fan was pleased, this gave the Tigers tons of momentum going into the off-season.
