Peeling back the layers of Memphis basketball's loss and what's next on recruiting front

The reaction Memphis basketball team's loss at Saint Louis varied widely.

Some viewed it as a winnable game in which the Tigers doomed themselves by neither shooting nor defending well enough. Others came away from it encouraged by the fight and resolve Penny Hardaway's team exhibited in the closing minutes. And others still acknowledged both good and bad.

All of which is OK. On this week's episode of the Tiger Basketball Podcast, beat writer Jason Munz and columnist Mark Giannotto explain why that is and examine some of the layers of the 90-84 setback, including DeAndre Williams' leadership, Kendric Davis' health, the team's shot selection and Johnathan Lawson's collegiate debut. In addition, Munz and Giannotto run through the Tigers' recruiting wins over the past week, discuss the latest with Damaria Franklin and look ahead to the home opener (VCU, 4 p.m., Sunday).

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