Buckley: When it’s late, the Tigers aren’t great. Seriously, what gives?
Memphis Tigers guard Curtis Givens III (5) handles the ball against the UNLV Rebels during the first half at FedExForum on Nov. 16, 2025. (Wes Hale/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Tim Buckley
Tim is a veteran sportswriter who graduated from CBHS in Memphis and the University of Missouri. He previously covered LSU sports in Baton Rouge, and the University of Louisiana football and basketball for The Daily Advertiser/USA TODAY Network in Lafayette, the NBA’s Utah Jazz for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning for the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, and West Texas State basketball for the Amarillo Globe News in Texas.
STARKVILLE, Miss. — For five straight games, an injured Curtis Givens III sat back and watched.
He analyzed. Took mental notes. Thought about what needed to be done differently.
On Saturday in Starkville — where the 4-7 Tigers experienced yet another late-game collapse, this one leading to a 71-66 loss to Mississippi State at Humphrey Coliseum that extended Memphis’ current losing streak to three straight — Givens did his part, trying his darndest to keep coach Penny Hardaway’s team from letting another one slip away.
This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.
Topics
Subscriber Only Memphis Tigers Basketball Curtis Givens III Penny Hardaway Memphis vs. Mississippi StateWe’re in the final countdown of 2025. ⌛🪩🎉
Will you make a donation before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve to fuel trustworthy reporting in the new year?
➡️ Make a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian, a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization.
We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. If you agree, join our growing list of donors now!
Related stories
Buckley: A lopsided loss to Louisville? For Memphis, ‘this group had no idea what the rivalry really meant.’
This Memphis basketball game against Louisville paled beside past glories of the rivalry that goes back to 1949, long before the current Cardinals and Tigers were born.
Memphis’ upset bid comes up short in overtime loss to No. 13 Vanderbilt
The Commodores outscored the Tigers 15-8 in the five-minute overtime period.Related content:
Buckley: Tigers’ NCAA Tournament road narrows — and it’s still December
With a 4-6 start, things are looking bleak for Memphis basketball. But the Tigers haven’t lost hope.
Comments
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.