Major College Basketball Rivalry Game To Return In 2018-19
One of the most-underrated rivalries in college basketball might be the one between Memphis and Tennessee. The Tigers and the Vols have played some classic games.
Most memorably, there was a No. 1 vs. No. 2 game during the 2008 season that became ESPN's most-watched game in college basketball history at the time it occurred.
The rivalry is coming back. Memphis' new head coach, Penny Hardaway, confirmed the news today.
Hardaway confirmed the news on the radio today.
The rivalry was last played in 2013.
The Commercial-Appeal reported earlier this year that the rivalry was likely coming back. The first game will reportedly be in Memphis.
Memphis athletic director Tom Bowen said during an interview with 92.9 FM ESPN earlier this month that the Tigers were on the verge of announcing two non-conference home-and-home series with power five conference schools.
According to a person familiar with these discussions, one of those is expected to be the resumption of the Memphis-Tennessee rivalry. There’s a good chance it re-starts as early as next season with a game at FedExForum, although no contract has been signed yet.
This is great news. Tennessee was terrific this past season and Memphis will hopefully regain its glory days under Penny Hardaway.
