Why Memphis basketball got a technical foul before tip-off vs. Tulane

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Talk about an ominous start for Memphis basketball.

The Tigers (13-18) — the No. 8 seed at the American Conference Tournament — got hit with a technical foul before the game against Tulane (17-14) even tipped off March 11 at Legacy Arena.

The Green Wave’s Asher Woods went to the free throw line and calmly sank the shot to give the No. 9 seed team a lead with 20 minutes still on the clock.

Why? A procedural gaffe on Memphis’ part. The Tigers were late in filling out the official scorebook with their starting lineup ahead of the game. As a result, a technical foul was levied on Penny Hardaway’s team. Per American Conference rules, teams must have their starters entered into the scorebook prior to the 10-minute mark on the game clock ahead of tip-off. It is unclear how far past the deadline the Tigers were.

Memphis defeated Tulane 96-95 in overtime March 8 in New Orleans. The Green Wave beat the Tigers 78-76 on Feb. 1 at FedExForum.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at [email protected], follow him @munzly on X.