Memphis opened its season with an 80-76 upset of No. 18 Iowa State in Sioux Falls, powered by Jayden Reid’s clutch scoring down the stretch. Reid finished with a game-high 26 points, while Luke Almodovar added 18 and Rihards Vavers scored 15. The Tigers led for more than 32 minutes and held on after Iowa State erased a seven-point deficit to tie the game late.

By the Numbers
  • Memphis 80, Iowa State 76.
  • Reid: 26 points, including 17 in the second half.
  • Almodovar: 18 points and 8 rebounds.
  • Vavers: 15 points; Memphis shot 25-for-33 from the free-throw line.
Yes, But

Iowa State rallied from a seven-point deficit and tied the game at 69 with just over three minutes left. Reid answered with four straight points, then hit a late 3-pointer to help Memphis seal the win.

State of Play
  • Memphis is 1-0 and has won nine straight season openers under Penny Hardaway.
  • The Tigers next host VCU on Saturday at FedExForum.
  • Memphis was without center Nemanja Popovic, who must sit out the first six games.
What's Next

Memphis opens its home schedule against VCU, with the Tigers looking to build on an early win over a ranked opponent.

Bottom Line

Reid delivered when the game tightened, giving Memphis a season-opening statement win and an early measure of its potential against top competition.