Memphis Tigers basketball felt disrespected by Houston after pregame incident

Memphis basketball's rivalry with Houston might be going on hiatus soon or potentially coming to an end with the Cougars leaving the AAC after this season.

But there's still plenty of heat between the two programs. Prior to last week's tip-off between the two AAC programs at FedExForum, CBS' cameras captured an incident that proves that. With Memphis' players already lined up for the national anthem, at least seven Houston players tried to wedge their way past to get to their side of the court, while the rest of the Cougars team made its way around the Tigers. That did not sit well with some Memphis players, who responded by shoving a couple of Houston players.

"They were basically disrespecting us, really, you know," said senior forward DeAndre Williams. "We're not fixing to just let you walk through our line without us doing or saying anything."

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Despite the limited skirmish, no fouls were called and neither team was penalized in any way. Houston, the top-ranked team in the country, won 67-65 thanks to a jumper from Jamal Shead as time expired.

Memphis coach Penny Hardaway also viewed the Cougars' actions as disrespectful. But he wasn't as angered by them as he was disappointed that his team did not pay Houston back for it by winning the game.

"The only thing that was bad about that entire thing is I don't really feel like we did anything about it when the game started. Should've been more energy behind the disrespect," Hardaway said. "I don't feel like we fought hard enough in that game after they basically came out blatantly and was like, 'OK, we're in your building. We're gonna step on your toes and you're not gonna do anything about it.'"

Houston and Memphis − the No. 1 and 2 seeds, respectively, at this week's AAC Tournament − are not assured of a third game this season. Both teams must win their quarterfinal and semifinal games. If they do, the Cougars and Tigers would meet Sunday (2:15 p.m., ESPN) at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth for the tournament title.

"We want to play the best and beat the best. If we can get revenge back on a team that beat us, we want that," said Williams.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball felt disrespected by Houston over pregame incident