There’s a sense of urgency as the Memphis Tigers prepare to face the Tulane Green Wave in their upcoming matchup. Under the guidance of head coach Penny Hardaway, the Tigers are stepping into a challenging environment at Fogleman Arena—a venue that hasn’t been kind to them recently. This game isn’t just another contest; it’s a chance for Memphis to get back on track after South Florida halted their impressive 10-game winning streak on Thursday.
A Streak Snapped and a Tough Road Ahead
Memphis’s journey to Fogleman Arena comes at a critical juncture. Having dominated the court with a 10-game winning streak, their recent loss to South Florida was a jolt. This setback was more than a mere blemish on their record; it was a wake-up call as the team prepares to face Tulane—a team with its fair share of success against Memphis. The Tigers have won only two of their last five regular-season matchups against the Green Wave. However, they did manage a resounding victory in last year’s AAC tournament, crushing Tulane 95-54. That victory might offer a psychological edge, but history has shown that winning at Fogleman Arena is anything but guaranteed.
Chemistry Concerns Amidst Success
Despite an impressive 15-3 overall record and a 4-1 standing in the American Athletic Conference, Memphis faces internal challenges. Coach Hardaway candidly addressed these issues following the South Florida loss, highlighting chemistry concerns within the team.
“It’s just a common theme with us. We’ve had this all year. We’ve been able to mask it, but it’s there,” he said. “We’re in the huddle; instead of talking about the other team, we’re trying to square things up. It’s just too much. You can’t do it. You’ve got to win the game.
“And I’m not gonna; we’ve got to learn from this game. But for us to go far in March, April, we’ve got to clean up all that.” Hardaway stated.
If these issues aren’t resolved, they could potentially lead to a premature exit from the AAC or NCAA tournaments, significantly impacting their seeding and prospects.
Tulane’s Shaky Start and Scoring Capabilities
Conversely, Tulane has had a less than stellar start under head coach Ron Hunter, with an 11-6 overall and a 2-3 conference record. Not yet a lock for the NCAA tournament, a victory against Memphis could significantly bolster their tournament aspirations. The Green Wave’s strength lies in their scoring ability. Averaging 85.6 points per game, they rank 8th in the nation in scoring, with six players averaging 9.6 points or more. Kevin Cross leads the team with 17.1 points per game, followed by Jaylen Forbes and Sion James. However, their defensive vulnerabilities, especially in opponents’ three-point percentage and points allowed, could be areas Memphis can exploit.
Keys to Victory for Memphis
For Memphis to emerge victorious from Fogleman Arena, they must capitalize on Tulane’s defensive weaknesses. The Green Wave’s poor rankings in opponents’ three-point percentage and points presented an opportunity for Memphis to regain momentum. Memphis must address their internal chemistry issues and refocus on their game plan. A cohesive team effort will be essential to overcome Tulane’s scoring threat and secure a much-needed victory in the AAC race.
The matchup between the Memphis Tigers and the Tulane Green Wave is more than a game; it’s a test of resilience for Memphis and an opportunity for Tulane to shake up the AAC standings. For Memphis, it’s a chance to address internal issues and return to their winning ways. It’s an opportunity for Tulane to prove their mettle against a top-tier opponent. This game is set to be a defining moment in the landscape of both programs.
The Prediction: A Hard-Fought Victory for Memphis
Considering all these factors, the prediction points to a hard-fought victory for Memphis. While the game will likely have its fair share of tense moments and challenges, Memphis’s ability to exploit Tulane’s defensive gaps and their effort to resolve internal issues should lead them to success. The anticipated outcome is that Memphis will leave Devlin Court with a win. Still, it will be a victory earned through strategic play, addressing weaknesses, and, most importantly, teamwork and unity.
Memphis 86, Tulane 83
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