Game Preview: Memphis Tigers vs. UCF Knights

This game is not a must win.

But it sure feels like it after a 2-1 start to AAC play for the Memphis Tigers. The game against South Florida shouldn’t have been that close. The loss to Tulane on the road will likely not look too bad when the NCAA committee looks at the Tigers’ resume in March. However, there’s no question Penny Hardaway would want that game back. While the gritty, defensive 69-59 win over East Carolina showed how good Memphis can be and should be on the defensive end, facing the University of Central Florida Knights in Orlando will be a much tougher test.

Matchup: Memphis Tigers (12-4, 2-1 in AAC) vs. UCF Knights (12-4, 3-1 in AAC)

Time: 6 p.m. CST

Location: Addition Financial Arena, Orlando, FL

TV/Stream/Radio: ESPN+/FM: 98.9

Injury Report: Jayden Hardaway (Day-to-day, hip); Malcolm Dandridge (Out, ankle)

What to Watch For

1. Follow K.I.S.S.

Keep it simple stupid. Of course, nobody in the Memphis Tigers program is stupid. The meaning of the phrase should not be lost, though. Keep it simple. That’s what Memphis did against the ECU Pirates by playing disciplined defense and not committing unnecessary fouls. No Tiger fouled out. Plus, the team was charged with only 13 fouls – second fewest this season. Keeping the foul rate down will be a key for each game until the season is over. But in big games like this on the road, it’s a must if the Tigers want to escape Orlando with a victory.

2. Half-court offensive execution.

The UCF Knights have a very good defense. This defense anchored by big men Taylor Hendricks and Michael Durr only gives up 60 points per game (13th in the country), ranks 24th in defensive efficiency and 27th in opponent two-point percentage. While the loss of CJ Walker for the season hurts the Knights on both ends of the floor, UCF has enough talent to make up the difference. The biggest defensive “flaw” is their opponent three-point percentage, which ranks 270th. Unfortunately for Memphis, the Tigers aren’t known for their three-point shooting prowess, which is why execution in the half-court to get open looks in the paint and even from the perimeter will be imperative.

3. Efficiency and poise from Kendric Davis.

Kendric Davis is worth the hype, and then some. Seeing him conduct an offense and pick apart opposing defenses with his scoring and playmaking has been an absolute joy. Though, if there is one critique of Davis’s performance thus far, it’s his shooting efficiency. He only averages 39 percent from the field and 28 percent from three. Both are well below his averages for his previous three seasons at SMU, 45.6 percent and 35.2 percent. The aforementioned loss of CJ Walker for the Knights should have an impact on this game and on Davis. Walker was UCF’s best perimeter defender. Though their other guards are capable of good defense, Davis will have the advantage. If he uses the ball efficiently and effectively, team success is likely to follow.

Prediction: UCF will be a difficult test for the Memphis Tigers that must be passed to maintain their slim margin for error. Watch for the matchup between DeAndre Williams and Taylor Hendricks, two important forwards for each team. This game is Kendric’s for the taking. Expect Davis to flourish with no CJ Walker and carry the Tigers to a vital road victory in a hostile environment.

Memphis Tigers 75 – UCF Knights 73