Memphis Vs. Arkansas: A Tale of Triumphs, Defeats, and Rivalry Seen Through The Eyes of The Tigers
In the heartland of the United States, where college basketball is not just a sport but a way of life, the Memphis Tigers and the Arkansas Razorbacks share a storied history of thrilling match-ups. As the two teams gear up for an enthralling encounter in the Battle 4 Atlantis quarterfinals, we delve into the history of their rivalry from the perspective of the Tigers.
The Tigers and Razorbacks first clashed in Memphis, Tennessee, on December 16, 1966. The Tigers emerged victorious with a scoreline of 43-36 in a match that set the tone for numerous encounters over the years. From 1966 until the last matchup on January 2, 2003, the teams faced off 21 times, with the overall record slightly favoring the Razorbacks with 11 wins to the Tigers’ 10.
One of the most heart-stopping games in the series was the 1972 duel in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Tigers eked out a narrow victory, with a final scoreline reading 87-86, marking the smallest margin of victory in the series. The Tigers’ largest margin of victory came on January 18, 1996, when they dominated the Razorbacks with a clear 22-point lead, ending the game at 94-72.
The last ten match-ups, however, have been less favorable for the Tigers, with a 3-7 win-loss record. Despite this, the Tigers claimed victory in the most recent encounter on January 2, 2003, defeating the Razorbacks 72-67 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Memphis’ home record against Arkansas stands at a respectable 6-4, while their away record is less favorable at 4-7. Throughout the series, the Tigers averaged 76 points per game, with a total of 1602 points scored against the Razorbacks from 1966 to 2003.
Despite the mixed bag of results, the Tigers’ performance has been marked by moments of brilliance and resilience. From the first victory in 1966 to the latest triumph in 2003, the Tigers have always fought hard through wins and losses, making every game a memorable spectacle for the fans.
The anticipation is high as the Tigers prepare to meet the Razorbacks on Thanksgiving 2023. The history of this rivalry suggests a closely fought game with high stakes. Both teams will be looking to make their mark, but for the Tigers, the game presents an opportunity to level the historical win-loss record.
The upcoming match promises to be an enthralling chapter in the long-standing rivalry between the Tigers and Razorbacks. Through the Eyes of The Tigers, every encounter with the Razorbacks is a chance to write a new page in their shared history, add another victory to their tally, and give their fans a game to remember. And this Thanksgiving, they will be ready to roar.