Bradshaw’s Big Second Half Lifts Memphis to 74-58 Victory

Wednesday, November 26

Memphis, Tenn.

7:00 PM

University of Memphis

2-4,0-0American

Southern Illinois

3-4,0-0MVC

Southern Ill.

Memphis

Bradshaw’s Big Second Half Lifts Memphis to 74-58 Victory

Nov 26, 2025 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis got back in the win column Wednesday night with a 74-58 victory over Southern Illinois at FedExForum. After a tough two-week stretch, the Tigers put together an all-around performance they needed.

Memphis (2-4) used its depth to take control. Fourteen players saw action and the bench delivered 50 points. Dug McDaniel and Julius Thedford led the scoring with 15 each. McDaniel added five assists, and Thedford brought energy on both ends of the floor.

Southern Illinois (3-4) stayed close early by taking advantage of Memphis' fouls and extra chances on the offensive glass. The Salukis cut the lead to seven late in the first half before Quante Berry provided a key boost. Berry knocked down back-to-back threes in the final minute, starting a 10–2 run that sent Memphis into halftime up 42-29.

In the second half, Memphis' size and athleticism became the difference. Seven-footer Aaron Bradshaw scored all 14 of his points after the break, going 10-for-10 at the free-throw line. His eight-straight points helped the Tigers build a 65-44 lead, their largest of the night.

Defensively, Memphis kept SIU in check. The Tigers held the Salukis' leading scorer, Quel'Ron House, to seven points, limited SIU to 31.0 percent shooting and just 2-for-15 from three. Even with the teams tying on the glass (40-40) and SIU securing 17 offensive boards, Memphis prevented any late comeback attempt.

Zach Davis pulled down a season-high six rebounds, while Berry and newcomer Hasan Abdul Hakim provided solid minutes off the bench. Hakim, in his regular-season debut, added four points, three rebounds and two assists. Every available Memphis player saw the floor for the first time this season.

The win was Penny Hardaway's 96th at FedExForum and the program's first meeting with Southern Illinois. Memphis now has a week to prepare for its next home game against New Orleans on Dec. 3.

POSTGAME NOTES

Memphis opened with a starting lineup of Dug McDaniel, Zach Davis, Ashton Hardaway, Thierno Sylla and Simon Majok.
- It marked the team's fourth different starting group this year, matching Penny Hardaway's total from all last season.
Dug McDaniel paced the Tigers again with 15 points and five assists in 33 minutes.
- It was his 63rd career double-figure scoring game and his fifth this season.
- McDaniel scored 11 of his points before halftime.
Julius Thedford delivered one of his strongest performances of the year off the bench, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and a career-high three steals in 24 minutes.
- He shot 5-of-8 from the field (2-of-4 from three) and led the team with four offensive rebounds.
- The Memphis native has grabbed at least five rebounds in five of the first six games.
Aaron Bradshaw was the third Tiger in double figures, posting a season-high 14 points, four rebounds and three steals in 17 minutes.
- His teams are now 12-0 when he scores in double digits; only NC State's Terrance Arceneaux (18-0) has more wins without a loss in such games among active Division I players.
- Bradshaw's 14 points are the fourth-highest total of his career, and his three steals set a new career best.
- He went a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line, becoming just the fifth Tiger under Hardaway to attempt 10 or more free throws in a game without missing.
Quante Berry added eight points (2-for-2 from deep) in 11 minutes, and Sincere Parker chipped in seven.
Zach Davis matched Thedford with a team-high six rebounds and added five points in 19 minutes, with the six boards marking a season best.
Wednesday's matchup was Memphis' first against a Missouri Valley Conference opponent since Dec. 3, 2019 (Bradley).
- The Tigers have now won 15 of their last 16 games against MVC teams.
Memphis led for 39:03 of the contest and stretched its largest lead to 21 points midway through the second half.
Southern Illinois is the 50th opponent Memphis has held to 60 points or fewer during Penny Hardaway's tenure.
- The Tigers are 47-3 in those games.

UP NEXT
Memphis will have a few days off for Thanksgiving before returning to the floor next week to host New Orleans (Dec. 3) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Tigers will then welcome Baylor to town next Saturday (Dec. 6) at 3:30 p.m.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS:
For complete information on Memphis Tiger Men's Basketball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.