ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Newcomers Kyvon Davenport and Kareem Brewton both scored in double figures in their Tiger debuts but Memphis dropped the season opener, 82-70, to No. 25 Alabama in the Veterans Classic at the United States Naval Academy Friday.
Davenport recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Brewton chipped in 13 points and had a team-high four assists. The promising debut by the junior college transfers was accompanied by another bright start. Freshman Jamal Johnson scoring 10 points in his Tiger debut, including a team-leading six-of-seven from the free-throw line.
Memphis narrowly trailed at halftime, 38-36, and kept it close through the first five minutes of the second half before Alabama went on a 14-4 run that included a stretch of four-straight made three-pointers.