The Memphis Tigers season finale is upon us. After dismantling UAB in the last home game of the 2023-2024 campaign, the Tigers now head to the East Coast to take on the Florida Atlantic Owls. The game is a rematch from the showdown two weeks ago at FedEx Forum. Memphis avenged their first-round exit defeat to the Owls with a 78-74 victory.
Now it’s Florida Atlantic’s turn to seek revenge. After falling short to the Tigers, the Owls have won their last two outings by a margin of five points. This rematch holds significant implications for both programs as they vie for positioning in the AAC tournament and potential NCAA tournament berths.
However, the Tigers need outside help to secure their preferred spot even with another win. They will need losses by Charlotte and SMU in their prospective games. Having the double bye means that Memphis will play three games instead of four to repeat as conference champions. Regarding NCAA tournament implications, it would give the Tigers another Quad 1 win, which would be their fourth of the season.
The win would also push the team closer to an at-large bid. As for the rematch, the Tigers head into Boca Raton riding with confidence. Following their disappointing loss to SMU, Memphis has rebounded with four consecutive victories. These wins have been fueled by the standout performances of key players, namely David Jones, Jahvon Quinerly, and Nae’Qwan Tomlin.
The Tigers’ recent victory over the UAB Blazers showcased the formidable trio of Quinerly, Jones, and Tomlin, who combined for an impressive 85 points in the team’s 106-87 triumph. Their stellar performance underscores their importance to the team and sets the stage for their upcoming rematch against Florida Atlantic. But Tomlin’s insertion into the starting lineup has been instrumental in the Tigers’ recent surge. The 6’10 forward has scored 20-plus points in his last three outings. His 28 points against UAB was a career-high for the Brooklyn native.
As for the rematch on Saturday, the trio may need another repeat performance from last week’s beatdown to secure a victory. There were a lot of sequences where the ball just bounced the Tigers way, which resulted in a four-point win over Florida Atlantic. Owls center Vladislav Goldin was able to dominate the Tigers despite the overall outcome.
The 7’1 center scored 22 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and shot 100% from the field. The Tigers’ ability to counter what Goldin accomplished in the paint will be crucial. Also, their leading scorer, Johnell Davis, will be a player they must keep an eye on. Davis scored 20 points in the last meeting but shot six of fifteen from the floor. In a game of this magnitude, it would be the perfect opportunity for Davis to perform exceptionally.
Score Prediction
It’s that simple: Memphis is peeking at the right time, while Florida Atlantic’s magical run, which dates back to last season, may end. Tigers record their fifth-straight win as they head into the AAC tournament.
Memphis 85, Florida Atlantic 81
Show Your Support
Show your support for the Strike 7 Sports Memphis Tigers Section by exploring and purchasing licensed NCAA fan gear. From stylish Memphis hats, jerseys, and t-shirts to cozy socks and much more, our collection offers a range of options to showcase your team spirit. By purchasing through the text link provided below, you contribute to the funding of the Strike 7 Sports platform, enabling us to continue providing comprehensive coverage and engaging content. If interested, click the link below and browse our Memphis Tigers fan gear selection. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sports Betting
Are you going to place a bet on the latest Memphis Tigers game or any sporting events happening throughout the week? If so, then you need to check out BetUs. BetUs is the ultimate destination for online betting, sports betting, live betting, racebooks, etc. If you are interested, click on the text link BetUs, and you will be redirected to their website. We shall receive compensation if you decide to sign up using our affiliate link below.
