Memphis Holds Off No. 18 Iowa State in Opener

Jayden Reid added 17 after halftime to his 26-point game as Memphis edged No. 18 Iowa State 80-76 in the season opener in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on November 2. The Tigers had to withstand a late Cyclones rally to secure the win.

Memphis was ahead 69-62 with a little more than five minutes left, but Iowa State responded with a 7-0 run to tie the game. Reid contributed 11 of his points in the closing three minutes; his three-pointer with 38 seconds left put the Tigers ahead 78-73.

The first half featured 11 lead changes and seven ties, with neither team leading by more than five. Almodovar’s dunk at the buzzer gave Memphis a 40-39 advantage at halftime. He finished with 15 points, while Reid’s late scoring helped Memphis close out the game.

Ryan Prather Jr. paced Iowa State with 19 points. Dominykas Pleta scored 15, including 13 in the final 10 minutes, as the Cyclones tried to stay within reach. Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey had nine points in the first half.

Memphis will host VCU on Saturday. Iowa State’s next game is at home against Southern Mississippi on Friday.