University of Memphis Athletics
Wednesday, December 20
Memphis, Tenn.
7 PM
University of Memphis
vs
Siena
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Tigers To Close Houzz Gotham Classic With Home Game Vs. Siena
Dec 19, 2017 | Men's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis will play the fourth and final game of the Houzz Gotham Classic presented by TicketIQ Wednesday night at FedExForum.
And if the Tigers (7-3) can get past Siena (3-8) beginning at 7 p.m., they will finish the Classic with a 3-1 record. Memphis is coming off its only loss in the five-team, four-game event, an 81-72 defeat in Madison Square Garden last weekend to Louisville.
The Tigers had their four-game winning streak snapped with the loss to the Cardinals, who blocked 14 Memphis shots and connected on 14 3-pointers to topple the Tigers in the 90th meeting between the rivals.
Memphis has won seven of its past nine games after dropping its season-opener to No. 25 Alabama at the Veterans Classic in Annapolis, Md.
During the 7-2 stretch, the Tigers have been getting strong play from starting point guard Jeremiah Martin, averaging a team-best 18.1 points, and forward Kyvon Davenport, averaging 12.7 point and 6.6 rebounds.
However, the Tigers may be without starting forward Jimario Rivers, who is recovering from a head injury that occurred in the second half of last weekend's game against Louisville. Rivers and 7-foot Louisville center Anas Mahmoud ran into one another six minutes into the second half and Rivers did not return.
Rivers is the team's third-leading scorer at 10.4 point per game, but offers intangible contributions that will be difficult to replace.
"It's unlikely he will play," said Tiger coach Tubby Smith. "He's kind of the heart and soul. He's that guy that gives you that extra effort. He's sort of the defensive quarterback that understands our defense probably better than anyone."
Martin said others will have to pick up the slack.
"I just feel guys will have to step up," Martin said. "There will be more opportunities for other guys."
Smith said if Rivers can't go, Kareem Brewton likely will start. Brewton started the team's first seven games and is averaging 8.5 points. He had a season-high 19 points in 17 minutes in a win over Albany.
In its first two Gotham Classic games, the Tigers defeated Bryant (90-72) and Albany (67-59).
Siena is coming off an 87-68 victory Sunday over Bryant. The Saints advanced to the 2017 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title game last season and are coached by Jimmy Patsos. Patsos and Siena are making return trips to FedExForum.
Patsos brought Loyola (Md.) team to Memphis during 2012-13 season. The Tigers won, 78-64. Siena last played at FedExForum during the 2007-08 season and the Tigers won, 102-58.
Reserve guard Nico Clareth leads Siena with a 16.2 average. Starting guard Ahsante Shivers is scoring at an 11.3 clip.
Tonight's game will be carried by CW30/Local Memphis and on Newsradio 600 WREC/Rock 103FM.
And if the Tigers (7-3) can get past Siena (3-8) beginning at 7 p.m., they will finish the Classic with a 3-1 record. Memphis is coming off its only loss in the five-team, four-game event, an 81-72 defeat in Madison Square Garden last weekend to Louisville.
The Tigers had their four-game winning streak snapped with the loss to the Cardinals, who blocked 14 Memphis shots and connected on 14 3-pointers to topple the Tigers in the 90th meeting between the rivals.
Memphis has won seven of its past nine games after dropping its season-opener to No. 25 Alabama at the Veterans Classic in Annapolis, Md.
During the 7-2 stretch, the Tigers have been getting strong play from starting point guard Jeremiah Martin, averaging a team-best 18.1 points, and forward Kyvon Davenport, averaging 12.7 point and 6.6 rebounds.
However, the Tigers may be without starting forward Jimario Rivers, who is recovering from a head injury that occurred in the second half of last weekend's game against Louisville. Rivers and 7-foot Louisville center Anas Mahmoud ran into one another six minutes into the second half and Rivers did not return.
Rivers is the team's third-leading scorer at 10.4 point per game, but offers intangible contributions that will be difficult to replace.
"It's unlikely he will play," said Tiger coach Tubby Smith. "He's kind of the heart and soul. He's that guy that gives you that extra effort. He's sort of the defensive quarterback that understands our defense probably better than anyone."
Martin said others will have to pick up the slack.
"I just feel guys will have to step up," Martin said. "There will be more opportunities for other guys."
Smith said if Rivers can't go, Kareem Brewton likely will start. Brewton started the team's first seven games and is averaging 8.5 points. He had a season-high 19 points in 17 minutes in a win over Albany.
In its first two Gotham Classic games, the Tigers defeated Bryant (90-72) and Albany (67-59).
Siena is coming off an 87-68 victory Sunday over Bryant. The Saints advanced to the 2017 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title game last season and are coached by Jimmy Patsos. Patsos and Siena are making return trips to FedExForum.
Patsos brought Loyola (Md.) team to Memphis during 2012-13 season. The Tigers won, 78-64. Siena last played at FedExForum during the 2007-08 season and the Tigers won, 102-58.
Reserve guard Nico Clareth leads Siena with a 16.2 average. Starting guard Ahsante Shivers is scoring at an 11.3 clip.
Tonight's game will be carried by CW30/Local Memphis and on Newsradio 600 WREC/Rock 103FM.
Players Mentioned
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