As the Memphis Tigers continue their journey through the American Athletic Conference (AAC) slate, they’ve already experienced dominant victories and hard-fought battles. With a 4-1 record in conference play and a 14-4 overall standing, Memphis has displayed both strengths and vulnerabilities. From blowout wins to nail-biting finishes, the Tigers’ performance thus far offers valuable insights into their potential for the remainder of the season.
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Memphis’ Depth and Balance Are Key Strengths
One of the most significant takeaways from Memphis’ five AAC matchups is their depth and offensive balance. Several players have stepped up in different games, showcasing the team’s ability to share the scoring load effectively. PJ Haggerty has been a consistent force, leading the team in scoring against Temple and Charlotte, while Tyrese Hunter and Dain Dainja have provided much-needed scoring contributions in critical moments.
Memphis’ ability to rotate multiple players and maintain production is a promising sign as they approach tougher competition. Their win over Charlotte highlighted this aspect, with Haggerty, Hunter, and Dainja combining for 47 points, ensuring a balanced attack that kept the 49ers at bay.
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Defensive Inconsistencies Remain a Concern
While Memphis has showcased moments of defensive brilliance, particularly in their blowout win over Florida Atlantic, their recent struggles in maintaining leads have exposed some inconsistencies. Against East Carolina and Temple, the Tigers struggled to close out games, allowing opponents to cut into sizable leads. In the loss to Temple, Memphis allowed Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Quante Berry to dictate the tempo, leading to an 88-81 upset.
The Tigers’ press defense, instrumental in their win over North Texas by forcing 16 turnovers, must remain sharp for Memphis to sustain success. Their ability to force turnovers and convert them into transition points will be a focal point moving forward.
The Rundown: Top 25 Resilience, AAC Challenges, and March Madness Outlook
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Rebounding Remains a Critical Factor
In the Tigers’ recent games, rebounding has been pivotal in their victories and defeats. In their loss to Temple, Memphis was outworked on the boards, conceding crucial second-chance opportunities that ultimately cost them the game. Conversely, in their bounce-back win against Charlotte, Memphis dominated the glass, outrebounding the 49ers 42-28.
Moussa Cisse and Dain Dainja have been key figures in Memphis’ interior presence, but the Tigers must stay consistent in boxing out and controlling the paint to avoid giving up easy second-chance points.
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Slow Second-Half Starts Are a Recurring Issue
Memphis’ tendency to allow teams back into games after halftime is becoming a concerning trend. Against East Carolina, a 16-0 run in the first half was nearly negated by a sluggish second-half effort, allowing ECU to tie the game late. Even in their win over Charlotte, a commanding first-half lead was chipped away before the Tigers eventually closed it.
Coach Penny Hardaway has acknowledged these second-half struggles, attributing them to lapses in energy and execution. As the Tigers progress deeper into AAC play, maintaining focus and intensity for 40 minutes will be crucial.
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Free Throw Shooting Can Be a Deciding Factor
Free throw efficiency has played a critical role in Memphis’ close games. Against Temple, PJ Haggerty missed crucial free throws late in the game, which could have shifted momentum in the Tigers’ favor. On the flip side, Haggerty’s clutch free throws down the stretch in their win over East Carolina helped secure the victory.
Improving their free throw percentage will be an area of emphasis for Memphis, especially in tight contests where every point counts.
Looking Ahead
With upcoming games against Wichita State and UAB, Memphis has an opportunity to solidify its position atop the AAC standings. However, they must address their second-half lapses, maintain defensive intensity, and leverage their depth to avoid potential upsets.
If the Tigers can learn from their early conference challenges and build on their strengths, they have a legitimate shot at winning the AAC regular-season title and making a deep run in March Madness. However, every game from here on out will be critical in shaping their postseason destiny.
Memphis has shown they have the talent, but consistency and execution will determine whether they can achieve their lofty goals.
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