By Thursday Night In Tampa, one of the most important games of the season will take place in the AAC when the Memphis Tigers take on the South Florida Bulls.
This game will have major implications for conference seeding and for the postseason.
For USF, this is another game to prove that they belong in the conversation as one of the best teams in the conference.
For Memphis, which trails USF by 2.5 games in conference play and is in a three-way tie for fourth place, they are just focusing on one game at a time to climb back in the conference race, and this matchup with USF is next on the schedule.
Memphis coach Penny Hardaway brings a Memphis club to Tampa that has underachieved this season, with a 12-13 overall record, and just 7-5 in conference play.
The Tigers are on a two-game losing streak, losing on the road at North Texas and then getting blown out at Utah State 99-75.
Memphis has won 20 games in seven consecutive seasons, but that streak will end this season.
The Bulls are coming off a thrilling 83-81 overtime win over FAU on Sunday afternoon.
USF has won four in a row and brings an 18-8 overall record into the contest, and is 10-3 in conference play.
Memphis is very good defensively, ranking 43rd nationally. They rank 35th in blocks and 14th in steals.
Despite those lofty rankings, Memphis is giving up 77.4 PPG over its last five games.
Offense is where Memphis has struggled. Sincere Parker has become the go-to offensive player for Memphis, scoring twenty or more points in four of his last six games, including a 40-point outburst against UAB.
Dug McDaniel has been the most consistent offensive player this season for Memphis, leading the team with 12.8 PPG.
USF remains tenth in the country, averaging 88.8 PPG. They are 12th nationally in offensive rebounds.
Izaiyah Nelson is tied for third in the country with 16 double-doubles.
Wes Enis and Joe Pinion remain lethal from the three-point stripe with 85 and 84 makes, respectively.
Coach Bryan Hodgson knows that Memphis, despite their record, will give USF all it can handle.
“It’s a really talented team, a team that is going to come in here hungry and desperate for a win. In the grand scheme of things, they are two games back with a chance to win the league. We are the team that they’re two games behind. They play us twice, so they’ll know that coming in, they’ll be ready, they’ll be fired up,”
This will be the best defensive team that USF has faced in quite some time.
These two teams are eerily similar offensively, as both play an uptempo style and run their opponents out of the gym.
Keys to a USF Win
USF must make sure they get back quickly on defense when Memphis has the basketball.
Take care of the basketball. Memphis will make you pay if you mishandle the basketball.
Own the boards. With the up-tempo style both teams employ, offensive rebounding and second-chance points will be keys to a Bulls win.
Coach Hodgson discussed the Memphis team and the key to beating a very good opponent.
“Size and length are a problem. They are really disruptive defensively, and they turn you over. They block shots. You’ve got to make sure you pick your spots, and you take care of the basketball against them, or it can be a long night.”
Memphis has struggled on the road this season, posting a 2-8 record and allowing 82.4 PPG.
USF is the favorite by 7.5 points, and they should win, though I think the margin will be 2-4 points.
Tip-off is at 7 PM, and the game will be nationally televised on ESPN2.
