The energy inside FedExForum was electric as the 2nd Annual Hoops for St. Jude® Tip-Off Classic brought together basketball, community, and a cause that hits home for Memphis. The doubleheader featured both the University of Memphis women’s and men’s basketball teams, with all proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, where families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
The night carried extra excitement as John Calipari, former Tigers coach and current head coach at the University of Arkansas, returned to Memphis for the first time since 2009 to face his former player turned coach, Penny Hardaway. The matchup drew national attention and hometown pride, turning the FedExForum into a sea of blue and white.
Memphis came out strong, jumping to a 15-point lead in the first half before taking a three-point advantage into halftime. Dug McDaniel led the Tigers with 19 points, six assists, and three rebounds, while Memphis native Curtis Givens III added 12 points in his Tiger debut. But the second half belonged to Arkansas, whose sharp shooting and momentum carried them to a 99–75 win behind key performances from Meleek Thomas, Darius Acuff Jr., and Malique Ewin.
Despite the loss, the night was a victory for St. Jude and the Memphis community. The Tip-Off Classic once again proved that Memphis basketball is about more than competition—it’s about coming together for something bigger. From the cheers in the stands to the funds raised for St. Jude’s lifesaving mission, the event was a powerful reminder that in Memphis, pride and purpose always go hand in hand.
Learn more about how St. Jude is changing lives in Memphis and beyond at stjude.org.
