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Four storylines for Memphis Basketball ahead of the Florida Atlantic rematch

Photo courtesy of Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports.

As the Memphis Tigers gear up for their final game of the season, all eyes are on their rematch against Florida Atlantic. Two weeks ago, the Tigers narrowly clinched a 78-74 victory over the Owls at FedEx Forum. The stage is set for a crucial showdown on the Owls’ home court in Boca Raton, Florida. With significant AAC and NCAA tournament implications hanging in the balance, Saturday’s matchup is more than just a regular-season finale—it’s a potential game-changer for both teams. The winner of this highly anticipated rematch could find themselves in the driver’s seat for an NCAA tournament berth. As anticipation builds for Sunday’s game, let’s delve into the four key storylines ahead of the Memphis versus Florida Atlantic matchup.

The Impeding Effect of Saturday’s Outcome

The aftermath of Saturday’s matchup between the Memphis Tigers and Florida Atlantic Owls could significantly impact both teams’ postseason paths. The road to the NCAA tournament may become slightly more challenging for the losing side, particularly for Memphis. To maintain their chances of repeating as AAC champions, the Tigers must secure a victory in Boca Raton and finish no lower than fourth in the conference standings.

A win over Florida Atlantic would grant Memphis a coveted double-bye in the AAC tournament, reducing their workload to just three games instead of four. On the other hand, Florida Atlantic’s recent losses have cast doubt on their tournament prospects, especially after defeating Memphis. Should the Tigers sweep the series, the Owls may need to win the AAC tournament to salvage their postseason aspirations. The stakes are high as both teams prepare for a pivotal showdown with far-reaching consequences.

Containing Vladislav Goldin: Round Two

In the previous clash between Florida Atlantic and Memphis, the Tigers faced a significant challenge in defending Owls center Vladislav Goldin due to the absence of Malcolm Dandridge. With Dandridge sidelined, Memphis employed a collective effort to contain the 7’1″ Goldin, tasking players like Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Nicholas Jourdain with the responsibility. Despite their efforts, Goldin still contributed 22 points and eight rebounds for the Owls.

However, the Tigers found a way to overcome the size disadvantage and secure success in the matchup. As they gear up for the rematch, the question arises: Will Memphis devise creative strategies to mitigate Goldin’s impact again, even without the luxury of a size advantage? It remains to be seen how the Tigers will approach this pivotal aspect of the game as they aim for another victory against Florida Atlantic.

Continued Success with the Starting Five Playing Longer Minutes

The absence of Malcolm Dandridge has prompted Penny Hardaway to rely more heavily on the team’s starting five, granting them extended minutes on the court. This adjustment has proven beneficial for the Tigers, as evidenced by their recent success with four consecutive victories leading up to the season finale against the Owls. With key players logging more playing time, Memphis has found a rhythm and cohesion that has translated into improved performance on the court. As they prepare for the rematch with Florida Atlantic, the Tigers will look to capitalize on the continuity and chemistry fostered by their starting lineup, aiming to secure another crucial win to close out the season on a high note.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s Ascension as A Starter

The emergence of forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin as a starter has been remarkable for the Memphis Tigers. Since stepping into the starting lineup, Tomlin has injected a newfound energy and versatility into the team, reminiscent of their early-season success. His impact has been undeniable, as evidenced by his impressive performances in recent outings. Tomlin has consistently delivered stellar performances for his last three starts, recording 20-plus points in each game. His career-high 28-point explosion against UAB showcased his scoring attributes and ability to take over games. As the Tigers gear up for the rematch against Florida Atlantic, they will undoubtedly rely on Tomlin to continue his impressive form and provide another dominant performance on both ends of the floor.

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