Fresh off a nail-biting 74-70 victory over East Carolina, the No. 18-ranked Memphis Tigers (13-3, 3-0 AAC) head to Philadelphia for a crucial road matchup against the Temple Owls (10-6, 2-1 AAC) on Thursday. With both teams vying for position in the early stages of the AAC standings, this game holds significant implications for Memphis, as it represents their final opportunity to add a Quad 2 victory to their NCAA tournament resume.
As Memphis looks to extend its winning streak to five games, the Tigers must address their recent struggles with maintaining leads. Their back-to-back close wins against North Texas and East Carolina highlight areas for improvement, particularly in sustaining energy and focus for the full 40 minutes. Meanwhile, Temple enters this matchup hungry for a signature win and boasting a roster capable of challenging the Tigers in multiple facets.
The Stakes for Memphis
Memphis is currently tied with Alabama for the most Quad 1 and Quad 2 victories in college basketball, a testament to their impressive non-conference performance. However, with fewer marquee matchups remaining on the schedule, every game against a top-tier opponent becomes a must-win to solidify their seeding in the NCAA tournament. A victory over Temple would keep Memphis undefeated in AAC play and help the Tigers maintain their national ranking and momentum as the season progresses.
Scouting the Temple Owls
Under the leadership of head coach Adam Fisher, Temple has emerged as a balanced team with a mix of offensive firepower and defensive toughness. While the Owls rank 99th nationally in points per game (76.9), their defense allows 73.7 points, placing them at 211th. Their ability to rebound effectively (38.3 rebounds per game, ranked 49th) and defend against two-point shots (47.6% opponent shooting, ranked 69th) makes them a challenging opponent, especially on their home court.
Key Players for Temple
- Jamal Mashburn Jr. (Guard): The Owls’ leading scorer, Mashburn averages 20.7 points per game while shooting an impressive 43.1% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range. His ability to score from anywhere on the court makes him a focal point of Memphis’ defensive game plan.
- Steve Settle III (Forward): A versatile forward, Settle contributes 11.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. His presence on the boards will be critical against Memphis’ frontcourt.
- Zion Stanford (Guard): Averaging 10.7 points per game and shooting 38.5% from three, Stanford provides additional scoring support and floor spacing.
- Quante Berry (Guard): While Berry averages only 2.3 assists per game, his defensive instincts (1.6 steals) could disrupt Memphis’ offensive flow.
Memphis’ Challenges and Keys to Victory
- Controlling the Tempo
Temple thrives on slowing the game’s pace and capitalizing on their opponents’ mistakes. Memphis must dictate the tempo early by utilizing their press defense, which has proven effective in creating turnovers and fast-break opportunities. The Tigers forced 16 turnovers against North Texas, a defensive effort they’ll need to replicate against Temple.
- Maintaining Focus for 40 Minutes
One of Memphis’ Achilles’ heels this season has been their inability to maintain large leads. Against East Carolina, Memphis led by double digits in both halves but allowed the Pirates to tie the game in the final minutes. Head coach Penny Hardaway emphasized the importance of energy and effort, particularly in the second half, and the Tigers must carry that mindset into this matchup to avoid a similar lapse.
- Limiting Jamal Mashburn Jr.
Containing Mashburn will be a top priority for Memphis. Tyrese Hunter, known for his defensive prowess, will likely be tasked with guarding the dynamic scorer. Hunter’s ability to limit Mashburn’s touches and force difficult shots could be the difference-maker.
- Winning the Rebounding Battle
Temple is one of the better rebounding teams in the AAC, averaging 38.3 boards per game. Conversely, Memphis struggled on the glass against North Texas, recording just 21 rebounds to the Mean Green’s 30. Moussa Cissé and Dain Dainja must dominate the paint and secure key rebounds to prevent Temple from capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.
- Reducing Turnovers
Turnovers have plagued Memphis throughout the season, including 16 giveaways against East Carolina. Temple’s defense, led by Berry, is adept at creating steals and forcing turnovers. Memphis must prioritize ball security and make smarter decisions to avoid giving the Owls easy transition points.
Key Matchups to Watch
- PJ Haggerty vs. Jamal Mashburn Jr.
Haggerty’s ability to disrupt Mashburn’s scoring rhythm will be pivotal. If Haggerty can force Mashburn into low-percentage shots, it will significantly hinder Temple’s offensive production.
- Steve Settle III vs. Moussa Cissé
Settle’s rebounding and inside scoring will challenge Cissé, who must use his size and shot-blocking ability to neutralize Temple’s presence in the paint.
- Memphis Bench vs. Temple Depth
Dain Dainja and Dante Harris have provided valuable minutes off the bench for Memphis. Their production will be critical in a game where Temple’s depth could pose a threat.
Prediction
While Temple has the tools to make this a competitive game, Memphis’ talent and ability to execute in critical moments should give them the edge. Expect the Tigers to push the tempo and capitalize on Temple’s turnover-prone offense.
Final Score Prediction:
Memphis 78, Temple 68
This matchup will serve as a critical test for Memphis’ ability to maintain consistency and composure in conference play. With the Tigers heavily favored to win their remaining games, staying focused on the task will be essential as they look to solidify their position as the AAC’s top team.
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