Penny Hardaway Unfazed by Memphis Tigers' Losing Streak

The Tigers' coach is focused on the next game, not the team's future or his own.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 10:48pm

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Despite the Memphis Tigers' four-game losing streak, including a 78-67 loss to UAB on Sunday, head coach Penny Hardaway is not worried about his team's future or his own. Hardaway is instead focused on the next game, rather than looking ahead to March and beyond.

Why it matters

Hardaway's unwavering focus on the present, even in the face of a struggling team, demonstrates his commitment to his players and the program. This approach could be crucial in helping the Tigers turn things around and make a push for the postseason.

The details

The Tigers trailed UAB by 19 points early in the second half, but cut the lead to 3 with just over 7 minutes remaining before ultimately losing by double digits. This loss leaves the Tigers tied for seventh in the American Athletic Conference standings.

  • The loss to UAB occurred on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Penny Hardaway

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

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What they’re saying

“Certainly not in the immediate aftermath of Sunday's 78-67 loss to UAB at FedExForum — a game in which the Tigers trailed by 19 early in the second half, cut the lead to 3 with just more than seven minutes to go and eventually lost by double digits.”

— Tim Buckley, Author (dailymemphian.com)

The takeaway

Hardaway's unwavering focus on the present, even in the face of a struggling team, demonstrates his commitment to his players and the program. This approach could be crucial in helping the Tigers turn things around and make a push for the postseason.