Memphis Tigers Frontcourt Duo Shines in Win Over Charlotte

Coach Penny Hardaway may have found a winning combination for the rest of the season.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 6:31pm

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The Memphis Tigers men's basketball team defeated the Charlotte 49ers 77-54 on Sunday at FedExForum. The standout performance of the Tigers' frontcourt duo of Aaron Bradshaw and Thierno Sylla caught the attention of head coach Penny Hardaway, who suggested he may stick with the pairing for the remainder of the team's rollercoaster 2025-26 season.

Why it matters

The Tigers have struggled with consistency this season, and finding a productive frontcourt combination could be key to turning their fortunes around. Hardaway's willingness to commit to Bradshaw and Sylla signals he believes he may have found the right formula to help the team finish the year strong.

The details

Bradshaw and Sylla combined for a dominant performance, with Hardaway noting that Sylla "knocked the 'pretty' out of" Bradshaw. The coach praised the duo's chemistry and physicality, suggesting he plans to keep them paired together for the remainder of the season as the Tigers look to build momentum.

  • The game took place on Sunday, February 9, 2026 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.

The players

Penny Hardaway

The head coach of the Memphis Tigers men's basketball team.

Aaron Bradshaw

A frontcourt player for the Memphis Tigers.

Thierno Sylla

A frontcourt player for the Memphis Tigers.

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What they’re saying

“This is a frontcourt coach Penny Hardaway is willing to ride.”

— Penny Hardaway, Head Coach (dailymemphian.com)

The takeaway

Finding a productive frontcourt duo has been a challenge for the Memphis Tigers this season, but Hardaway believes he may have discovered the right combination in Bradshaw and Sylla. If the two can maintain their chemistry and physicality, it could be the key to the Tigers turning their season around and finishing strong.