Memphis and Tulsa’s men’s basketball teams squared off on Thursday in the American Athletic Center opener for both teams. And while No. 15 Memphis came away with a 78-75 win, the Tigers also had to endure a scary moment involving senior guard Caleb Mills.
Late in the first half, Mills received a pass in the left corner. Tulsa’s Mohamed Keita sprinted out to defend him. Mills faked a shot, getting Keita off of his feet. At that point, Mills drove to his left by Keita and to the hoop.
But when he went up for the layup, Mills suddenly lost control of his body. There was clearly a wet spot on the floor of Tulsa’s Reynolds Center. Mills flew through the key before eventually crashing to the ground.
Caleb Mills injury is very frustrating to watch. @GoTigers247 @Memphis_MBB pic.twitter.com/0OXLgJkCWr
— LEON DEVON TAYLOR (@Leontaylor1983) January 5, 2024
Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway and strength coach Darby Rich eventually carried Mills off of the court.
Caleb Mills is carried off the court by Penny Hardaway and strength coach Darby Rich. pic.twitter.com/sZVI5Ku3WY
— Parth Upadhyaya (@pupadhyaya_) January 5, 2024
Jason Munz of The Commercial Appeal reported that while Mills was in a brace, he did remain with the team after the injury.
Caleb Mills is back behind the bench.
Has his leg up. Still in a brace. But he's still here.
— Jason Munz (@munzly) January 5, 2024
Mills has been used primarily off of the bench this season for Memphis, starting five of 13 games. He’d largely been effective for the Tigers, averaging 25.2 minutes and 8.5 points per game, shooting 36.7% on three-pointers.
Mills is a fifth-year senior in his first season with Memphis. Before going to the Tigers, he played two years at Florida State and before that two years at Houston.
[Photo Credit: ESPN+, Leon Devon Taylor, Parth Upadhyaya, Jason Munz]
