Memphis basketball has reportedly lined up exhibition games against Arkansas and Mississippi State, setting up two preseason matchups with SEC opponents for the second year in a row. The schedule gives Penny Hardaway's program another early test before the regular season begins.
According to the report, the Tigers are set to travel to Mississippi State on Oct. 23. Memphis is also expected to face Arkansas in exhibition play, continuing a recent pattern of using high-profile preseason games to measure the roster against major-conference competition.
For Memphis, these exhibitions can offer more than a simple warmup. Games against SEC teams provide a chance to evaluate rotations, chemistry and readiness in a setting that is more demanding than a typical closed scrimmage. That can be especially useful for a team trying to sharpen its form ahead of a long season.
The reported matchups also add intrigue for fans, since Arkansas and Mississippi State bring recognizable opponents onto the Tigers' preseason slate. If finalized, the exhibition schedule would give Memphis two notable early road trips and another opportunity to build momentum before games start to count in the standings.
