The Memphis Tigers opened the 2026–27 basketball season with a statement victory Monday, November 2, defeating No. 18 Iowa State 80–76 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Senior guard Jayden Reid led Memphis with 26 points, including 17 after halftime, as the Tigers turned a close finish into their first win of the season.

Reid leads the decisive stretch

With the score tied at 69 and just over three minutes remaining, Reid scored four consecutive points to give Memphis the advantage.

Iowa State cut the deficit to two, but Reid answered with a three-pointer with 38 seconds left and added two free throws to help secure the result.

He made 12 of 14 free-throw attempts and finished with two three-pointers.

Luke Almodovar contributed 18 points and eight rebounds, while the Tigers won despite the usual opening-game adjustments.

Why the win matters

It was Memphis' first season-opening victory against a nationally ranked opponent since 1995.

The result also kept Penny Hardaway unbeaten in season openers during his tenure as Tigers head coach.

The win gives fans an early reason for optimism, but one game is only the beginning of a long season.

The Tigers will face more tests as their nonconference schedule continues.

For Memphis supporters, a ranked victory away from home is an especially memorable way to start November.