The night was February 23, 2008; the tip was set at 9:00 pm and a packed FedEx Forum was ready for one of the biggest games in Tennessee basketball program history. The undefeated No.1 Memphis Tigers were hosting the No.2 Tennessee Volunteers. It was more than a game, it was everything for the two programs and fanbases.
The game had recruiting implications since Memphis is a gold mine when it comes to college talent. And, the winner was going to have bragging rights about not only being the best in the state but the best team in the nation.