MEMPHIS, Tenn. – It’s a scene that can only be seen on a few of college basketball’s elite campuses, and it occurred Saturday evening at the University of Memphis.
On the week heading into the 4th of July and with much of America planning vacations, Tiger Nation packed the on-campus, 2,565-seat Elma Roane Fieldhouse for the inaugural Memphis Alumni Basketball Game.
The game, organized by former Tigers Jeremy Hunt and Willie Kemp, was highlighted by the return of 20 Tigers, most of who played for the Blue and Gray in the 21st century. Anfernee Hardaway and Snap Hunter were the two program representatives from the 1990s. Detric Golden and Andre Turner served as the game’s head coaches.
A portion of the proceeds from the game will be distributed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Kidney Foundation.
Following the contest, Hunt gave an emotional, tear-filled thank you over the arena’s public address to Tiger Nation for coming to the Alumni Game and supporting the contest’s worthy causes.
As for the game itself, the Blue Team overcame a six-point halftime deficit to post a 95-84 victory over the White Squad. Crawford led all scorers with 24 points to pace the Blue Team to the win. Will Coleman added 19 points, and Wesley Witherspoon had 15 points for the Blue Squad.
Hunt led the White Team with 21 points, with Robert Dozier adding 20 points. Joey Dorsey had 17 points, and Anfernee Hardaway scored 13 points.
At the half, the White Team held a 50-44 lead. Dorsey scored 15 points in the first half to lead the White Team, followed by Dozier’s 14 points. Hunt added nine points. Crawford led the Blue Squad with 12 first-half points on four treys. Coleman had six points in the first half for the Blue Squad.
-gotigersgo-