The Memphis Tigers return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023. The selection committee awarded them the 5th seed in the West region after they built one of the strongest resumes in college basketball this season. Before last Sunday’s official seeding release, many speculated that the committee would list Memphis as an 8th or 9th seed. But the assumptions turned out to be just pure speculation at best. Their tournament journey begins with a matchup against the Colorado State Rams, a team that enters March Madness on a hot streak.
Like Memphis, Colorado State carries momentum into the tournament. The Rams have won ten straight games, including three consecutive Mountain West Conference tournament victories. However, Memphis will likely play Friday’s matchup without guards Tyrese Hunter and Dante Harris. Hunter injured his foot during the semifinal round against Tulane in the AAC Tournament. At the same time, Harris has not played since March 4, when he left the regular-season matchup against UTSA with a high-ankle sprain.
Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway recently updated their statuses, stating that Hunter remains questionable for Friday’s game against the Rams, while Harris is highly unlikely to play. If Hunter cannot suit up, Hardaway will likely turn to guard Baraka Okojie, who has logged significant minutes since Hunter’s injury in the AAC Tournament.
Colorado State’s recent success has attracted attention from Power 4 programs searching for a new head coach. Reports have linked CSU’s Niko Medved to the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ head coaching vacancy. On the court, the Rams rely heavily on guard Nique Clifford, who leads the team in multiple statistical categories. The 6’6 guard averages 19.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Clifford’s latest performance came in the MWC tournament final, where he scored 24 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out three assists. He scored 26, 25, and 36 points in the three games prior. While Clifford plays a crucial role, Memphis must also account for two other key contributors. Guards Jalen Lake and Kyan Evans average 11.1 and 10.2 points per game, respectively, while forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson ranks second on the team in three-point percentage at 39.8%.
Memphis holds the size advantage over Colorado State in Friday’s showdown, but they must prioritize ball security. The Rams will attempt to neutralize their size disadvantage by pressuring the Tigers into turnovers and capitalizing on the offensive end. Keeping turnovers to a minimum will be essential for Memphis to advance to the next round.
Key Players to Watch and Keys to Victory for Memphis vs. Colorado State
Key Players to Watch for Memphis
PJ Haggerty (Guard, 6’3”, Soph.)
Haggerty remains the engine of Memphis’ offense and one of the most efficient scoring guards in the country. His ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line has been a major weapon for the Tigers all season. With Tyrese Hunter’s status uncertain, Haggerty may need to shoulder even more playmaking responsibilities. If he can consistently penetrate the Rams’ defense and create opportunities for himself and his teammates, Memphis will be in a strong position.
Dain Dainja (Forward, 6’9”, Sr.)
Dainja has been a dominant presence in the paint, averaging a double-double throughout the postseason. His footwork and soft touch make him a matchup nightmare for opponents, and his rebounding will be critical against a Colorado State team that doesn’t have much size. Dainja struggled in the last meeting against Wichita State and cannot afford another quiet game. If he stays aggressive on the boards and asserts himself offensively, Memphis will have a significant advantage inside.
Colby Rogers (Guard, 6’5”, Sr.)
One of Memphis’ best perimeter threats, Rogers gives the Tigers a much-needed outside scoring punch. His ability to hit three-pointers at a high clip forces defenses to extend, opening up lanes for Haggerty and Dainja to operate. If he can connect on a few early deep shots, it will stretch Colorado State’s defense and make Memphis’ offensive attack more dynamic.
Baraka Okojie (Guard, 6’1”, Soph.)
With Hunter likely sidelined or limited, freshman Baraka Okojie steps into a crucial role. He has shown flashes of being a capable floor general, and Hardaway will need him to take care of the basketball and provide defensive energy. His ability to handle Colorado State’s backcourt pressure will prevent unnecessary turnovers.
Keys to Victory for Memphis
Limit Turnovers and Handle Colorado State’s Defensive Pressure
The Rams will attempt to exploit Memphis’ struggles with turnovers, especially if Hunter and Harris remain sidelined. The Tigers rank outside the top 275 in turnover rate, making ball security a major point of emphasis. If Memphis can limit giveaways and avoid careless mistakes, they will prevent Colorado State from turning defense into offense.
Control the Glass
Despite their size advantage, Memphis was dominated on the boards in their last loss to Wichita State. The Tigers cannot allow the Rams to get extra possessions through offensive rebounds. Dainja, Nicholas Jourdain, and the rest of the frontcourt must be aggressive in boxing out and securing rebounds.
Defend Without Fouling
Memphis tends to get into foul trouble, which could be an issue against a Colorado State team that thrives on attacking the paint. The Tigers must play disciplined defense, contest shots without overcommitting, and avoid giving the Rams free points at the line.
Get Out in Transition
Memphis excels when they push the pace and get easy transition buckets. The Tigers should look to run whenever possible against a Colorado State team that may struggle to keep up athletically. Haggerty and Rogers must aggressively get out in transition and capitalize on fast-break opportunities.
Make Free Throws Count
If this game is close, Memphis must capitalize on its trips to the free-throw line. The Tigers shot 74% from the stripe this season, but late-game execution will be critical. Players like Haggerty and Rogers, who get to the line frequently, must convert quickly to close out a potential tight contest.
By executing these key areas effectively, Memphis will put itself in a great position to advance past Colorado State and make a deep tournament run.
Prediction: Memphis 78, Colorado State 69
Expect a competitive game early, but Memphis’ athleticism and defensive pressure should help them pull away in the second half.
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