In its first two games this season, Memphis basketball has dug itself out of considerable holes to get two wins.

Memphis basketball teams under coach Penny Hardaway tend to take some time finding their identity. Two exhibitions and one regular-season game into the 2024-25 season, however, is it possible that these Tigers already know exactly who they are and what they have to be in order to get Memphis back to March Madness?

UNLV had Memphis on the ropes late in Saturday’s matinee showdown at the Thomas & Mack Center, holding a 61-56 lead with eight minutes to play. Considering the Scarlet and Gray also have one of college basketball’s best closers in sophomore point guard D.