Former Illini Dain Dainja seals major upset for Memphis

Former Illini, Dain Dainja, had another highlight in his first year with the Memphis Tigers. Dainja helped his team clinch a major road victory over the 16th-ranked Clemson Tigers with a few clutch plays. First off, he hit a smooth layup down the lane to help force the game into overtime. Towards the end of the overtime, Dainja, who usually struggles at the free throw line, knocked down two free throws to help push the lead to three points. The Tigers then sealed the victory 87-82. Dain Dainja finished with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Before this game, Dainja has been averaging 10.9 points and 6.7 rebounds in 24.0 minutes off the bench.

Memphis C Dain Dainja (@DDainja) tore up FAU in their blowout win, with FAU HC John Jakus calling Dainja “first team all-AAC” after the game.

22 PTS
11 REB
3 STL
4 BLK
8-13 FG

I’m not sure if Dainja will end up on first team all-AAC, but I think he has earned it. Just a really… https://t.co/tOYSk0ve9U pic.twitter.com/RxFDcCFOEO

— Hitmen Hoops (@HitmenHoops) February 23, 2025

An Intriguing fit

The Tigers are piling up some impressive victories. Despite losing a buy game vs Arkansas State, the Tigers are now 4-1 in quadrant one games. Dain Dainja has been the perfect sixth man for Penny Hardaway’s team so far. It is nice to see Dainja, who was a huge factor in the late-season surge for Illinois last year, play a role on a winning team. It was even sweeter to see the former Illini get some revenge on the UConn Huskies a few weeks ago.

Both Illinois and Dain Dainja have benefitted from the fresh start. Tomislav Ivisic has come in as one of the best big men in the entire Big Ten. Morez Johnson Jr is showing insane rebounding potential as only a true freshman.

Dain Dainja ties it up and sends the game to OT! pic.twitter.com/d2nR7pIXNh

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) December 14, 2024

Nasty assist from Dain Dainja.

Memphis up 12-5. 11:22 left in 1st half. https://t.co/RMOMm5GJbr pic.twitter.com/jVDoztEHSC

— Hitmen Hoops (@HitmenHoops) December 14, 2024

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