Memphis waiting next for travel-tested Saint Mary's in NCAA tournament

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – After rolling through Conference USA, Memphis again faces a skeptical public wondering whether the Tigers have really been tested yet.

Coach Josh Pastner has heard just about enough.

Pastner says it's "ridiculous" to suggest the Tigers aren't challenged during the regular season. Of course, the easiest way for Memphis to silence the doubters would be to win in the NCAA tournament.

That's a goal that's proved elusive of late. When the sixth-seeded Tigers (30-4) take on 11th-seeded Saint Mary's on Thursday, they'll be trying for their first victory in the tournament since 2009, when John Calipari was still coach.

Saint Mary's (28-6) advanced to the round of 64 by beating Middle Tennessee in the First Four on Tuesday night.