Games don’t come bigger than this.
In a perfect world, the Memphis Tigers wouldn’t need to leave Houston, Texas with a victory to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. In a perfect world, the Memphis Tigers would have a fully healthy squad. In a perfect world, Kendric Davis’s availability wouldn’t be a concern.
But we don’t live in a perfect world. Instead, Coach Hardaway faces a familiar reality. Early season losses coupled with tough conference defeats leave the Tigers in the same position as last year entering this pivotal matchup against the Houston Cougars. Memphis conquered the Cougars in Houston boosting the Tigers’ tournament hopes in 2022. Can they do the same in 2023?
Matchup: Memphis Tigers (20-6, 10-3 in AAC) vs. Houston Cougars (24-2, 13-2 in AAC)
Date/Time: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2023 / 2:00 PM CST
Location: Fertitta Center, Houston, TX
TV/Stream/Radio: ESPN / 98.9 THE ROAR OF MEMPHIS
Keys to the Game
- Limit Turnovers
Even if Kendric Davis and Alex Lomax are good to go, limiting turnovers is a must. But if neither can play, Memphis will have to rely on a point guard by commission with Jonathan Lawson, Damaria Franklin, and Elijah McCadden likely splitting the ball-handling duties. Without experienced point guards to lead the offense, those three players will need to show poise, confidence, and a high basketball IQ against Houston. While the Cougars rank 2nd in Defensive Efficiency, they’re only 66th in opponent turnovers per game forcing 14.3. On the flip side, Memphis is 278th in turnovers per game with 13.7. Coming off the UCF game where the Tigers committed 24 turnovers, staying below their season average of 13.7 is paramount.
2. DeAndre Williams must better Jarace Walker
Entering the year, DeAndre Williams was picked as a preseason 1st Team All-AAC player. He’s lived up to the hype averaging 17.3 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.9 blocks, and shoots 54% from the field and 37% from 3. His counterpart in Sunday’s matchup is none other than the unanimous preseason Freshman of the year and projected lottery pick, Jarace Walker. He’s a stud at 6’8, 240 with impressive defensive ability and legit 3 point shooting talent. Defending Walker will take more than DeAndre Williams. But if Dre outplays Walker, Memphis will be right there at the end.
3.
Enough numbers. Enough analysis. The Memphis Tigers must believe in themselves. Coach Hardaway and a good amount of players were in the exact same position last season. They entered a hostile environment and left with a season-defining win. With or without Kendric Davis, they must believe in their ability to do the same Sunday afternoon.
Prediction
Memphis 72, Houston 70
Why not? I believe.