Game Preview: Memphis vs. Houston

It’s time.

A few weeks ago, Memphis traveled to Houston with a chance to slay the dragon out west. Even without star Kendric Davis, the Tigers had a legitimate chance at victory down the stretch. While some believe there are no moral victories, I don’t.

To go on the road and play that well against an elite team is a feat few thought Memphis could accomplish without Davis. If anything, that defeat should give hope to all that this team can beat the No. 1 ranked Houston Cougars Sunday morning.

Matchup: Memphis Tigers (23-7, 13-4 in AAC) vs. Houston Cougars (28-2, 16-1 in AAC)

Date/Time: Sunday, March 5, 2023 / 11:00 AM CST

Location: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN

TV/Stream/Radio: CBS / 98.9 THE ROAR OF MEMPHIS

Keys to the Game

Controlled Chaos

FedEx Forum will be rockin’. The atmosphere will be electric. Memphis will be ready. The players need to feed off the chaotic energy and push Houston into a quicker tempo defensively. This defense has been elite of late creating turnovers and putting its opposition in uncomfortable offensive situations. For the season, Memphis ranks 24th forcing 15.6 turnovers per game, while Houston ranks 8th nationally in turnovers per game only committing 9.7. Something’s gotta give Sunday. The Tigers did a good job forcing 11 turnovers in their previous meeting. But that performance must be duplicated at worst to give Memphis its best chance.

2. Memphis Stars Shine Brightest

As the season winds down, talk of who will win AAC Player of the Year has ramped up. Will it be defending champion Kendric Davis or Houston Senior Marcus Sasser? Davis has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Tigers. While Kendric’s efficiency has dipped, he averages 21.3 points (career high), 5.8 assists, and 2.2 steals (career high). Houston’s Marcus Sasser has also been great averaging 17.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals on more efficient percentages. Either would be deserving of the award – I’m biased toward Davis. But this final regular season game could determine who wins. Memphis’s DeAndre Williams and Houston’s Jarace Walker are future all-conference players as well. KD and Dre must outshine Houston’s duo to give Memphis a season-defining victory.

Prediction

Memphis 75, Houston 74

I still believe.