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Memphis Pulls Off Major Opening-Night Upset Behind Transfer's Remarkable Finish
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- Memphis Pulls Off Major Opening-Night Upset Behind Transfer's Remarkable Finish
Memphis entered the new college basketball season facing questions about whether its rebuilt roster could produce immediate improvement. The Tigers answered with one of opening night's biggest surprises.
Memphis defeated No. 18 Iowa State 80-76 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, delivering an important victory against a nationally ranked opponent. The result was particularly encouraging because the Tigers needed to execute during the final minutes of a close game.
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Jayden Reid, a transfer from Northwestern, scored 26 points and delivered Memphis' final 11 points. His late production prevented Iowa State from completing a comeback after the Cyclones erased a seven-point deficit.
For Penny Hardaway, the performance showed that Memphis may have found an important offensive leader.
Reid Delivered Under Pressure
Iowa State tied the game at 69 with 3:15 remaining. That moment could have changed the outcome. The Cyclones had recovered from a late deficit and appeared positioned to take control.
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Instead, Reid took over.
He repeatedly generated scoring opportunities and made important free throws. His 3-pointer with 38 seconds remaining extended Memphis' lead to five points. Iowa State could not recover.
Perimeter Shooting Created The Difference
Memphis made nine of 20 attempts from 3-point range. Iowa State converted only four of 20. That shooting advantage helped the Tigers overcome the Cyclones' stronger production around the basket.
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Luke Almodovar added 18 points, while Rihards Vavers contributed 15. The performance provided encouraging evidence that Memphis has multiple offensive options. Reid was the star, but he did not carry the team alone.
Hardaway Has A Foundation To Build Around
Memphis finished last season with a disappointing record, creating pressure for significant improvement. The rebuilt roster entered the season with expectations of competing near the top of the American Conference.
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Monday's victory provides an important early result.
The Tigers showed that they can compete against a ranked opponent, execute under pressure and produce balanced offense.
One victory does not establish Memphis as an NCAA Tournament team. But it gives Hardaway's program a meaningful foundation.
The Tigers have already defeated a nationally ranked opponent. Now they must demonstrate that the performance was the beginning of sustained improvement.
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Related: Duke's 17-Year-Old Freshman Could Become College Basketball's Most Fascinating Newcomer
Related: Florida Returns To Site Of NCAA Tournament Heartbreak As No. 1 Team In College Basketball
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
