Dateline: Saturday May 16, 1986. Memphis relied on their defense to defeat Tampa Bay and stay within a loss of the Bandits in the playoff race. They held John Reaves to 180 yards passing and forced two interceptions. They also sacked him three times. Tampa’s run game managed only 52 yards total.
Meanwhile, as Memphis quarterback Kent Austin struggled as well, running back Thomas Sanders picked up the slack. He ran for 70 yards and a touchdown. He also caught a six yard touchdown pass. Two field goals closed out the Showboats scoring.
Both teams are home next week. Tampa hosts a struggling Arizona team and Memphis welcomes Washington.
