While No. 24 SMU dealt the University of Memphis another disappointing loss, 69-62, on Thursday, Feb. 25 at FedExForum, there was some hopeful news.
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The so-called turnstile count (or tickets actually scanned) eclipsed 8,300. The Tigers needed to average 6,812 fans – in the seats, not just paid-for tickets – over the last two home games to bring the season average up to 6,000 for the season and ensure the Tigers receive a portion of an $800,000 payment from the Memphis Grizzlies.
The U of M won’t get the full load, but if they can get 5,305 fans into the building for Senior Day vs. Tulsa on Sunday, Feb. 28 (3 p.m. start, by the way) they’ll make it and, according to multiple media reports, be in line for a payment in excess of $400,000.
The financial numbers might be what matter most now in a season that slipped a little farther away as the Tigers lost for the fourth time in their last five games. Their record fell to 15-13 overall, 6-9 in the American Athletic Conference.
– Don Wade
