Whistles Play Role in Memphis' Loss to Tulane

Officials call a combined 49 fouls in physical game

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:55pm

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Memphis lost to Tulane 78-76 at FedExForum, but the officials were arguably the story of the game. The teams combined for 49 fouls, with Tulane guard Luke Rasmussen and forward Scotty Middleton both fouling out in just 16 minutes of action. Despite Memphis making 12 more free throws than Tulane, its poor shooting performance from the field was the difference.

Why it matters

The high number of fouls called disrupted the flow of the game and impacted the outcome, raising questions about the role of officiating in college basketball. Both teams struggled to play physical defense without fouling, which is a common challenge for teams.

The details

Memphis shot just 36% from the field compared to Tulane's 50%, but the Tigers were able to stay in the game by shooting 32-38 from the free throw line. Tulane outshot Memphis 50% to 36% from the field, but the Tigers were in the bonus early and took advantage at the line.

  • The game was played on February 1, 2026 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
  • Tulane guard Luke Rasmussen and forward Scotty Middleton both fouled out with 19:10 remaining in the game.

The players

Quante Berry

Memphis guard who commented on the physical nature of the game and the high foul count.

Penny Hardaway

Memphis head coach who discussed the officiating and his team's strategy to get to the free throw line.

Luke Rasmussen

Tulane guard who fouled out of the game.

Scotty Middleton

Tulane forward who also fouled out of the game.

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What they’re saying

“They were physical. We were up on the foul count 6-0, and then we started fouling a lot out of no where.”

— Quante Berry, Memphis guard (on3.com)

“For us it was great, because we wanted to get to the line. We were one foul from the penalty, and I told the team lets just keeping getting into the paint and making good decisions, and lets not get them close to the penalty.”

— Penny Hardaway, Memphis head coach (on3.com)

What’s next

Memphis will take on UAB on Thursday, February 5th in Birmingham.

The takeaway

The high number of fouls called in this game disrupted the flow and impacted the outcome, highlighting the ongoing challenge of officiating physical college basketball games. Both teams struggled to play defense without fouling, an issue that will need to be addressed moving forward.