Memphis Coach Penny Hardaway Sparks Debate After Loss

Hardaway's comments about Utah State's scoring tactics draw mixed reactions.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway sparked a debate on social media after criticizing Utah State for continuing to score points late in their 99-75 win over the Tigers. Hardaway took issue with the Aggies' tactics, saying "You can't keep scoring the ball," which drew a range of reactions from fans and analysts.

Why it matters

Hardaway's comments touch on broader discussions in sports about sportsmanship, running up the score, and the role of analytics in decision-making. The debate highlights the complex dynamics between coaches, players, and fans when it comes to how teams approach the end of lopsided games.

The details

Following Memphis' non-conference loss to Utah State on February 14, 2026, Hardaway criticized the Aggies for continuing to score points late in the game despite the large margin. Hardaway felt Utah State's tactics were unsportsmanlike, though analytics-driven approaches would suggest continuing to play aggressively until the final buzzer.

  • The game between Memphis and Utah State took place on February 14, 2026.

The players

Penny Hardaway

The head coach of the Memphis Tigers basketball team, who has been at the helm for 8 seasons.

Utah State Aggies

The opposing team that defeated Memphis 99-75 in the non-conference matchup.

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What they’re saying

“You can't do what they did, though. You can't keep scoring the ball,”

— Penny Hardaway, Head Coach, Memphis Tigers (Commercial Appeal)

The takeaway

Hardaway's comments highlight the ongoing debate in sports around sportsmanship, analytics-driven decision making, and how coaches and teams should approach lopsided games. The reaction to his remarks underscores the complex dynamics at play when these issues arise.