Tigers, Loyola at 11 a.m. Saturday will be a family affair

Saturday, December 23

Memphis, Tenn.

11 AM

University of Memphis

Loyola (Md.)

Tickets

Photo by: Matthew Smith

Tigers, Loyola at 11 a.m. Saturday will be a family affair

Dec 22, 2017 | Men's Basketball

Memphis Game Notes (vs. Loyola Md.)Loyola Md. Game Notes (vs. Memphis)

By: Phil Stukenborg

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In an illustrious, successful coaching career that has spanned three decades and included nearly 20 NCAA Tournament appearances and a national title, Tubby Smith has encountered practically every situation.

He has led teams to nine Sweet 16s. He has coached against friends, former assistants and former players.

He has, however, rarely had to deal with what he'll face at 11 a.m. Saturday at FedExForum.

When Smith's University of Memphis basketball team plays host to Loyola (Md.) in a late-morning matchup, sitting on the opposite sideline will be family. Smith's son, G.G., is in his fifth season at Loyola, where he has spent the past 11 seasons. For him, coming to Memphis for the holidays won't be festive, at least for a couple of hours.

G.G. will battle both his dad and his brother, Saul, who is a Tiger assistant, for the second time. He coached against his father in November 2014 when Tubby was head coach at Texas Tech before coming to Memphis two years ago.

Tubby Smith admits it will be difficult, an odd situation he finds somewhat uncomfortable. It likely will be more painstaking for Donna Smith, Tubby's wife, whose seat is a few rows behind the Memphis bench.

"It's always emotional," Smith said. "It will be emotional for Donna and myself but it will be good to have him here. I just wish he would have brought the grandkids like he was supposed to."

When the game tips off, the Smiths will concentrate on coaching their respective teams to a pre-Christmas victory.

The Tigers (8-3) will attempt to remain unbeaten in games played at FedExForum, where they are 8-0 after Wednesday's 70-66 win over Siena. In the game Wednesday, guard Jeremiah Martin and forward Kyvon Davenport scored 16 apiece and Raynere Thornton, making his first start in place of injured Jimario Rivers, had 13 points and seven rebounds, both season highs. Rivers' status for the Loyola game is uncertain.

Loyola improved to 2-8 Thursday with a 66-62 victory over Drexel. Guard Chuck Champion, a 6-3 sophomore from Philadelphia and cousin of former NBA player Raja Bell, led the Greyhounds with 21 points. Forward Cam Gregory grabbed 16 rebounds.

"(G.G.) has a player who is one of the top rebounders in the country, one of the top offensive rebounders in the country," Tubby said. "And Champion had four 3s (Thursday) night, so we'll have to be conscious of that."

Game Quick Facts

Opponent                  Loyola (Md.)

Day/Date                   Saturday, Dec. 23

Time                          11 a.m. (CT)

Site                             Memphis, Tenn./FedExForum

Web                            ESPN3.com

Radio (Flagship)     600 WREC AM/Rock 103 (102.7 FM)