The FedExForum in Memphis was buzzing with anticipation on Thursday night, as the Memphis Tigers welcomed the surging Wichita State Shockers for a pivotal American Conference showdown. Both teams had plenty on the line: for Memphis, it was a chance to halt a demoralizing losing streak and salvage the season’s momentum, while Wichita State eyed a move into a tie for second place in the conference standings and a crucial step toward a coveted semifinal bye in the upcoming league tournament.
But by the final buzzer, it was Wichita State who left the court celebrating, having secured an 88-82 victory that not only extended its own win streak to four but also snapped a seven-game losing drought in Memphis. The win marked the Shockers’ first-ever regular season sweep of the Tigers—a feat that resonated with historical significance for the program.
Wichita State’s triumph was built on a relentless effort in the paint and an unyielding presence on the glass. The Shockers outrebounded Memphis by a staggering 44-27 margin, including a decisive 18-6 edge on the offensive boards. Those extra possessions translated into a 19-7 advantage in second-chance points, a stat that loomed large as the game wore on. As Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway’s squad struggled to contain the Shockers’ physicality inside, it became clear that rebounding battles would dictate the night’s outcome.
Kenyon Giles proved to be the catalyst for Wichita State’s offense, pouring in 22 points—19 of which came in a gutsy second-half performance. Giles’ impact was felt most acutely in the game’s waning moments, as he buried a clutch three-pointer with just 30 seconds left to put the Shockers up by four, effectively sealing the win. According to the official recap, this was Giles’ fifth straight game with at least 20 points and his 15th such outing of the season—a testament to his consistency and leadership.
The Shockers’ balanced attack saw five players finish in double figures. Karon Boyd contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, and a season-high five assists, while Will Berg notched his seventh double-double of the year with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Dillon Battie chipped in 12 points, and Emmanuel Okorafor added 11 points and six rebounds, five of which came on the offensive end. The team’s ability to share the scoring load and dominate the boards was a key ingredient in their success.
Memphis, meanwhile, delivered one of its best offensive performances of the season, shooting an impressive 51.6 percent from the field and committing only seven turnovers. Senior point guard Dug McDaniel led the Tigers with a season-high 29 points on 11-of-19 shooting, adding four rebounds and three assists. Quante Berry came off the bench to provide a spark, tallying a season-best 22 points on 10-of-13 shooting, along with five rebounds and three steals. Sincere Parker added 15 points and eight boards, while Tariq Ingraham chipped in seven points in 17 minutes of action.
Despite playing shorthanded and rolling out their 16th different starting lineup of the season, the Tigers managed to control the early tempo. Memphis built a five-point lead midway through the first half, buoyed by McDaniel’s early scoring burst. But the Shockers responded with a steady interior attack, and by halftime, they had seized a 40-35 advantage. The first half was defined by Wichita State’s dominance on the offensive glass and their ability to convert at the free throw line, hitting 16-of-21 attempts to keep Memphis at bay.
The second half saw both teams trading blows in a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. Wichita State opened the period with a quick run, stretching its lead to as many as 13 points. Yet, Memphis refused to fold, mounting a furious rally over a 12-minute stretch that saw them outscore the Shockers 38-24. The Tigers reclaimed the lead, 82-81, on a layup by Zach Davis with 1:43 remaining, igniting the home crowd and setting up a dramatic finish.
However, the Shockers displayed remarkable composure down the stretch. Wichita State closed the game on a 7-0 run, fueled by free throws and Giles’ decisive three-pointer. While Memphis shot 56.7 percent in the second half and held Wichita State to just 20 percent from beyond the arc (4-of-20 for the game), the Tigers simply couldn’t overcome their disadvantage on the boards and at the foul line. The Shockers converted 26-of-33 from the stripe, outpacing Memphis, who attempted only 17 free throws all night.
For Memphis, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Not only did it mark their fifth consecutive defeat, dropping their record to 12-16 overall and 7-8 in conference play, but it also ended a remarkable 75-game home winning streak when shooting at least 50 percent from the field—a streak that stretched back to December 2012. The Tigers’ bench production was a bright spot, with 33 points marking their best output in six games, but it wasn’t enough to offset the Shockers’ inside dominance.
“We just couldn’t get the stops we needed down the stretch,” said Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway after the game. “Our guys fought hard, but Wichita State really punished us on the glass and at the line.”
Wichita State’s victory improved their record to 19-10 overall and 11-5 in the American Conference, keeping their postseason hopes alive and well. The Shockers’ next test comes on the road against UTSA on Sunday, March 1, while Memphis will look to regroup as they travel to East Carolina for a Sunday afternoon matchup.
As the regular season winds down, Thursday’s contest served as a microcosm of each team’s journey. Wichita State, peaking at just the right time, continues to build momentum and eye a deep run in the conference tournament. Memphis, despite flashes of promise, is left searching for answers as the losses pile up. For the Shockers, the sweep of Memphis and the end of their Memphis jinx could be just the confidence boost they need as March approaches.
With the American Conference tournament looming, both teams know there’s still plenty to play for—but on this night, it was Wichita State who left Memphis with the spoils, a bit of history, and their sights set firmly on what’s next.