With seven games remaining on the schedule, it’s becoming clearer that the Memphis Tigers are the heavy favorites to win the American Athletic Conference’s regular season title. The race for the American became a lot clearer on Tuesday when preseason favorite, the UAB Blazers, had their three-game winning streak snapped by East Carolina. UAB’s loss to East Carolina puts a slight damper on the anticipated rematch with Memphis on March 2.
However, the rematch could still have a lot at stake, but Tuesday’s upset shows how much parity lies within the conference. As for Memphis, Thursday’s matchup with South Florida provides another opportunity to distance themselves from contenders such as North Texas and UAB.
The Tigers have a 1.5-game lead over the Mean Green with a 10-1 record. While the matchup with the Bulls gives Memphis a chance to increase their stronghold in the conference standings, they may have to get it done without guard Tyrese Hunter. Moments before tipoff in the game against Temple, it was reported that Hunter would not see action due to an ongoing tender kneecap injury he battled throughout the season.
Hunter’s status will be a game-time decision heading into Thursday’s contest with South Florida. If Hunter cannot play on Thursday, the Tigers will shift towards inserting backup guard Dante Harris into the lineup again. In last Sunday’s rematch with Temple, Harris stepped in for Hunter and performed exceptionally well against the Owls. Harris finished with 14 points and two steals and played 29 minutes in Sunday’s 90-82 victory over Temple.
“We knew his talent could help us,” head coach Penny Hardaway said of Harris, whose status is expected to be a game-time decision on Thursday. “It really showed (Sunday) how valuable he really is. We just said, ‘Hey, we’re already winning. Come in, be part of a good team that’s already winning. Keep doing the things you need to do to be a good teammate.’ And that’s what he’s done.”
If Hunter cannot play and Harris puts on another solid performance, it may be beneficial for the Tigers to keep Hunter out for the next two games against Wichita State and Florida Atlantic. It’s better to have the Tigers’ best players healthy and available down the stretch as the push for an AAC title/NCAA tournament seeding is at stake.
Memphis vs. South Florida: Revisiting Recent History
The first and only matchup between Memphis and South Florida brings back memories for Tiger fans of how the season spiraled out of control during the 2023-2024 campaign. With a record of 15-2 and top five seed for the NCAA tournament within reach, the Tigers headed into a Wednesday night with South Florida as heavy favorites.
However, the result was the opposite: The Tigers blew a 20-point lead, leading to a hopeful season turned upside down. Memphis would lose five of their last eight games and finish the season without an appearance in the NCAA tournament. Even though they did not qualify to appear in March Madness, the Bulls used the one-point win over Memphis to fuel a strong push toward a conference title and an NCAA tournament berth. They would win their next 13 straight games.
South Florida Scouting Report
Record: 12-12 (5-6 AAC)
Head Coach: Ben Fletcher (Interim)
The Bulls are not having the same impact on the landscape of the AAC that everyone witnessed last season. Their 12-12 overall record, 5-6 in the conference, indicates how inconsistent their season has been. Scoring from beyond the arc is a significant issue for the Bulls. They are currently ranked 221st in three-point shooting percentage this season. Defensively, they allow 75.4 points per game, ranked 254th in the nation. On the glass, it’s no better. The Bulls allow their opponents to average 9.3 offensive rebounds per game. South Florida’s top scorer is big man Jamille Reynolds. The 6’11 power forward leads the Bulls with points (12.7), field goal percentage (52.5), and rebounds (7.6).
Score Prediction
If you are a Tigers fan reading today’s game preview, do not be worried about the Tigers blowing another 20-peat lead. Memphis will cruise to their eight-straight victory in recent conference play. And that’s with or without the presence of Tyrese Hunter.
Memphis 93, South Florida 83
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