The tail spin of losing continues for Memphis basketball

Is the Memphis Tigers 2023-2024 season on the verge of collapsing? It indeed feels that way, as the Tigers were defeated for the third time. However, it wasn’t a close encounter; UAB sealed the momentum in the second half and never looked back. As head coach Penny Hardaway stated in the mid-week presser, the Tigers would use the extra time off to correct the issues that have hindered them over the past few days.

But when it came to Sunday’s matchup against the Blazers, it was more of the same as the team again fell into the same bad habits. With a final score of 97-88 in favor of UAB, the Tigers found themselves on a three-game skid, and it’s time to dissect what went wrong and what they need to address to get back on track.

Tigers’ Recent Struggles

The Tigers entered the game with a 15-4 overall record and a 4-2 conference record, but their recent performances had raised concerns. Inconsistencies in their play, especially on the defensive end, had plagued them in previous matchups. The game against UAB was a chance to turn things around and end their losing streak, but it didn’t go as planned.

UAB’s Dominant Performance

UAB came into the game with a 12-7 overall record and a solid 5-1 conference record. They were determined to secure a victory against the Tigers, and they executed their game plan effectively. UAB’s Yaxel Lindenberg had a standout performance, recording 23 points and 16 rebounds. Eric Gaines, his teammate, contributed significantly with 20 points, four steals, four assists, and four rebounds.

Tigers’ Struggles on Defense

One of the glaring issues for the Tigers in this game was their defensive performance. UAB shot 50% from the field, a testament to their offensive efficiency. Memphis had prided itself on solid defense earlier in the season, but recent games have shown a drop in their defensive effectiveness. Allowing 97 points to UAB indicates that defensive improvement was urgently needed. What’s concerning about this is that the Blazers are one of the worst shooting teams in the country, but against Memphis, opponents seem to have significant scoring output.

Turnover Troubles

The Tigers’ turnover problem persisted in this game, with the team committing 22 turnovers. While they managed to force 21 turnovers from UAB, it didn’t offset their mistakes. Turnovers can be a game-changer, and Memphis needs to prioritize ball security moving forward.

Rebounding Woes

Rebounding continued to be a concern for the Tigers, as UAB outrebounded them 40 to 30. UAB’s dominance on the boards, especially on the offensive glass, led to second-chance opportunities and added pressure on Memphis’ defense. Winning the battle on the boards is crucial, and the Tigers must address this issue in future games.

Individual Performances

Despite the loss, several Tigers had noteworthy performances. Malcolm Dandridge had a strong showing with 19 points, three rounds, and four steals. David Jones led the team in scoring with 24 points, while Nicholas Jordain faced foul trouble and played limited minutes. Jaykwon Walton and Jahvon Quinerly also contributed, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

The Tigers find themselves in a challenging position and must regroup quickly. With games against Rice and Wichita State on the horizon, Memphis must focus on defensive consistency, ball security, and rebounding. The conference standings are tight, and every win matters as they aim to secure a strong position for the AAC tournament.

Conclusion

The Memphis Tigers’ recent struggles continued with a loss to UAB, marking their third consecutive defeat. Defensive lapses, turnovers, and rebounding issues have plagued the team in recent games, and they need to address these problems urgently. With a challenging conference schedule ahead, the Tigers must find their form and get back to winning ways to maintain their position in the AAC standings and rekindle the early-season success they enjoyed.

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