Memphis’ OT win vs Clemson was HC Penny Hardaway’s 2nd best away win, NCAA analyst claims

Memphis coach Penny Hardaway has led the Tigers to some impressive victories this season. Most notably, his team defeated then-No. 2 UConn and No. 21 Michigan State in the Maui Invitational.

They pulled off another marquee road win on Saturday, as the Tigers knocked off 25th-ranked Clemson 87-82 in overtime at Littlejohn Coliseum in South Carolina.

John Fanta, a college basketball broadcaster, discussed Memphis' victory on the Sunday episode of "The Field of 68 After Dark" podcast with co-hosts Jeff Goodman and Rob Dauster.

"This was Penny Hardaway's second-best road win by ranking in his Memphis tenure," Fanta said (1:53).

"I think this was needed. Now I don't want to say it was a must, but this felt needed after the Arkansas State snafu, and Penny Hardaway's team went out there and got it. They grinded it out. Clemson played pretty well, and Memphis was better than them."

The Tigers went into the game with a 7-2 record, following their 85-72 loss to Arkansas State at home on Dec. 8. The only other defeat they suffered was an 81-71 loss to No. 2 Auburn in November in the Maui Invitational championship game.

In terms of their biggest road win against a ranked team, it was Hardaway's Tigers' 69-59 victory over then-No. 6 Houston in February 2022 at Fertitta Center.

Penny Hardaway reflects on team's biggest win yet

Going to Littlejohn Coliseum and grabbing a win over then-No. 16 Clemson was no easy task, but Penny Hardaway's Memphis came through in the end, fueled by an impressive performance from Tyrese Hunter.

Even No. 4 Kentucky Wildcats were unable to pull out a win at Clemson earlier this month. After the game, Hardaway discussed the significance of the victory and what it meant for his team.

"I would say that this is our biggest win of the season," he said. "Arguably one of the hottest teams in the country, with Tennessee and Iowa State, is Clemson. And to come in here and get a win is just a blessing.

"We came in here to fight and we fought a really good team and ended up leaving here with the win."

Senior guard Tyrese Hunter led the way with 23 points and three assists while Colby Rogers contributed 22 points and two assists in the win.

Penny Hardaway's Memphis (8-2) will travel to Charlottesville to face Virginia on Wednesday before hosting Mississippi State and Ole Miss heading into conference play.