Fresh off an impressive 90-62 blowout victory over Florida Atlantic in their conference opener, the Memphis Tigers return to FedEx Forum for another pivotal AAC matchup, this time against the North Texas Mean Green. Last season, North Texas delivered a significant blow to Memphis’ NCAA Tournament aspirations with a 76-66 upset on the Mean Green’s home court. On Sunday, Memphis looks to turn the tables and assert dominance in a game that has major implications for early conference standings.
Currently, North Texas shares second place in the AAC standings with Memphis, chasing Rice, who leads the conference at 2-0 (11-4 overall). While it’s still early in AAC competition, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A Sunday win would help Memphis maintain its position in the standings and solidify its status as the AAC’s flagship program. Entering this matchup, Memphis boasts the most Quad 1 and Quad 2 victories of any team in college basketball—an impressive feat that underscores their strong non-conference performance.
Related: Memphis Blows Out FAU in Conference Opener
However, sustaining this momentum is critical. The Tigers’ recent return to the national rankings (21st in the AP Poll) reflects the respect they’ve earned from voters, even amidst a few setbacks this season. While Memphis is unlikely to breeze through conference play without challenges, maintaining a record well above .500 in AAC competition will be crucial for their postseason aspirations. The stakes are clear: consistency and dominance in the AAC could be the difference-makers come to Selection Sunday. Here’s the full breakdown of the North Texas vs. 21st-ranked Memphis matchup, including a detailed scouting report, key matchups to watch, and a score prediction.
North Texas Scouting Report
Head Coach: Ross Dodge
Record: 11-3 (2nd in AAC)
Like Memphis, North Texas head coach Ross Dodge faced the challenge of rebuilding his roster for the 2024-2025 season. With seven transfers and three incoming first-year students, Dodge constructed a team to adapt quickly and compete in the ever-toughening American Athletic Conference. Replacing the production of the team’s top six scorers from last season was no small task, but so far, the Mean Green have shown resilience and adaptability, getting off to a strong start in Dodge’s second year at the helm.
While North Texas lacks the impressive non-conference resume of Memphis, they have established themselves as a legitimate contender in the AAC. Their three losses this season—by margins of four, five, and seven points—reflect a team that battles to the end, regardless of the opponent. The Mean Green’s most recent victory, a thrilling buzzer-beater, came courtesy of Atin Wright’s clutch three-point shot, sealing a dramatic win over UAB in their conference opener.
The hallmark of Dodge’s squad lies in their defense and ability to control the game’s pace. North Texas ranks fourth nationally in points allowed (59.0), second in steal percentage (15.1%), and fourth in turnover percentage (24.4%). What’s particularly impressive is their team-wide commitment to defensive intensity—eight different players have recorded 10 or more steals this season. This depth of defensive contributors makes North Texas a tough matchup for any opponent and highlights their ability to disrupt even the most potent offenses. As they prepare to face Memphis, their disciplined defense and ability to dictate tempo will undoubtedly be the focal points of their game plan.
Key Players:
Atin Wright (Guard): Leading scorer with 13.5 PPG, Wright has been a clutch performer, including a game-winning three-pointer in their AAC opener against UAB.
Moulaye Sissoko (Forward): Leading rebounder with 5.5 RPG, Sissoko anchors the interior.
Brenen Lorient (Forward): A versatile scorer, Lorient averages 10.6 PPG and shoots an impressive 50% from beyond the arc.
Latrell Jossell (Guard): Defensive catalyst, leading the team with 1.8 steals per game.
Team Strengths:
Defense: Fourth in points allowed (59.0) and second in steal percentage (15.1%).
Turnover Creation: Fourth in turnover percentage (24.4%).
Efficient Shooting: 35.7% from beyond the arc and 77.4% from the free-throw line.
Team Weaknesses:
Offensive Production: Ranks 289th in points per game (67.3).
Rebounding: Struggles on the boards, ranked 313th in total rebounds per game (31.5).
Limited Depth: Heavy reliance on a few key contributors.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Atin Wright vs. PJ Haggerty:
The Tigers’ top scorer, PJ Haggerty, will face a stiff challenge against North Texas’ perimeter defense. Haggerty’s ability to create off the dribble and connect from deep will be crucial to Memphis’ offensive flow. - Moulaye Sissoko vs. Moussa Cissé:
The battle in the paint will be pivotal, with both big men anchoring their teams defensively. Cissé’s rebounding and shot-blocking will need to counteract Sissoko’s interior presence. - Memphis Turnovers vs. North Texas Steals:
North Texas thrives on forcing turnovers, while Memphis has struggled with giveaways this season. The Tigers’ ability to protect the ball will significantly determine the game’s outcome.
North Texas’ defensive prowess could slow Memphis’ high-powered offense, but the Tigers’ depth and ability to control the boards should give them the edge. Expect a closely contested matchup, with Memphis pulling away late.
Prediction: Memphis 82, North Texas 74
This game is an early test of Memphis’ ability to stay consistent in conference play, setting the tone for the Tigers’ AAC campaign and their quest for postseason success.
Show Your Support
Show your support for the Memphis Wire on Sports View 360 by exploring and purchasing licensed NCAA fan gear. From stylish Memphis hats, jerseys, and t-shirts to cozy socks and much more, our collection offers a range of options to showcase your team spirit. By purchasing through the text link provided below, you contribute to the funding of the Sports View 360 platform, enabling us to continue providing comprehensive coverage and engaging content. If interested, click the link below and browse our Memphis Tigers fan gear selection. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Memphis Tigers Fan Gear Offers from Fanatics.com
