WNIT Game Preview: Lady Tigers vs. Bowling Green

Fresh off their win in the WNIT round of 32, the Memphis Tigers travel to Anderson Arena in Bowling Green, KY to take on another MAC opponent, the Bowling Green Falcons, on Thursday.

GAME DETAILS
Memphis Tigers (22-10) vs. Bowling Green (29-6)
Thursday, Mar 23, 2022 | 5 p.m. CT
Anderson Arena (4,700); Bowling Green, KY
Television: ESPN3
Radio: 98.9 THE ROAR OF MEMPHIS

Coming off a wire-to-wire victory against Ball State in front of a packed Elma Roane Fieldhouse, the Tigers are hoping to extend their run into postseason play with a victory over a veteran Bowling Green team, who previously ended Ball State’s run in the MAC conference tournament. 

The Falcons feature five 10 ppg or more scorers, 3 of whom are seniors, who lead a high-octane offense. Led by senior guard Alissa Brett, and senior forward Allison Day, the Falcons average 77.7 ppg, good for 19th in the country. The Tigers, led by the senior guard tandem of Maddie Griggs and Jamirah Shutes, will have to stifle the strong perimeter game of Bowling Green, who shoot just over 21 3pt attempts per game.

The good news for Tigers fans is that Memphis just held another high-scoring offense, Ball State, to 62 points, 15 points below their scoring average of 78.3 ppg, which was 15th in the nation. Monday night’s performance was arguably Memphis’ best defensive performance of the season, and it came at the most opportune moment. Even so, Memphis will need to keep up the defensive intensity to disrupt the Falcon’s shooters. While Bowling Green has 7(!) players shooting over 30% from 3 (min. 3 attempts), Memphis just has 3, Maddie Griggs, Emani Jefferson, and freshman guard Tanyuel Welch. Memphis can hardly afford a shootout with one of the nation’s best offenses. 

Memphis will have to account for a rangy Falcon defense as well. Although they allow opponents to shoot 42% from the field this season, they are excellent at creating turnovers and steals. They score 22.5 points per game off of turnovers alone, so the Tigers will need to emphasize ball security, and fastbreak defense in this matchup. Memphis should have the edge on the glass thanks to forwards Destiny Thomas and Hannah Riddick, which will be crucial to limit extra possessions for the Falcons. 

The Tigers have been playing their best ball in March, completing double-digit wins in both rounds of the WNIT. As the only AAC conference team still in postseason play, the Tigers still have much to play for. Advancing to the WNIT Elite 8 would only further strengthen this magical turnaround in year 2 of Coach Katrina Merriweather’s tenure.