The rivalry between the University of Tennessee and Memphis basketball teams spans 25 years and is likely to come to an end this year. The coaching staff at Memphis has expressed no interest in continuing the rivalry past this season. There are conflicting reports from news agencies; however, saying the coaching staffs at both schools still are hammering out the details.
Former Liberty County High School basketball player Jordan McRae knew Friday’s game in Knoxville would be intense.
“It’s going to be fun. A lot of people, a lot of energy and a lot of passion’s going to be in that game,” he said Tuesday during an interview after practice.
And knowing it might be the last time for the classic rivalry, McRae put it all out on the floor.
He scored a career-high 26 points in the game and added four assists and two rebounds for the Vols.
But Memphis, for the third consecutive time, beat the Volunteers, 85-80, in Knoxville on Friday night.
Golvolsxtra.com reported McRae and teammate Josh Richardson picked up the tempo and helped the Vols trim the game to 69-64 with plenty of time left and the pair helped the Vols score 52 points in the second half of play.