Memphis Dominant Defense and Explosive Offense vs. Tulane Balanced Scoring
Memphis Tigers vs Tulane Green Wave: AAC Showdown Preview
The Memphis Tigers (16-4, 6-1 AAC) travel to New Orleans to face the Tulane Green Wave (11-9, 5-2 AAC) in an exciting American Athletic Conference (AAC) clash. With Memphis sitting at No. 19 in the nation and Tulane in strong conference form, this game promises to be a critical matchup. The Tigers come off a dominant 100-77 victory over UAB, while the Green Wave secured a strong 82-71 road win over Rice. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from this high-stakes AAC showdown.
Memphis Tigers: Dominant Defense and Efficient Offense
As the only ranked team in the AAC, the Memphis Tigers have firmly established themselves as one of the nation’s top contenders. Sitting at 6-1 in conference play, Memphis is not only leading the AAC but also boasting an impressive 7-1 record in their last eight games. Their lone loss came at Temple, but they have been rolling ever since.
Memphis is led by sophomore guard PJ Haggerty, who has emerged as one of the nation’s top players. With an average of 22.1 points per game, Haggerty ranks second in the nation in scoring. Along with his 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, Haggerty’s scoring consistency has been a driving force for Memphis. In fact, he has scored 18 or more points in each of his last seven games.
Alongside Haggerty, Tyrese Hunter provides additional firepower, averaging 14.9 points per game while shooting a scorching 41.7% from beyond the arc. Hunter’s deep shooting, combined with his 3.3 assists per game, has been vital for Memphis’ offense. The frontcourt is anchored by Dain Dainja, who adds 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, with a standout 21-point performance against UAB.
On the defensive side, Memphis excels with a No. 33 ranking in defensive efficiency (KenPom) and a high-pressure style that limits opponents’ shooting opportunities. With a fast-paced tempo (No. 36 in the nation), Memphis thrives on creating turnovers and scoring in transition.
Tulane Green Wave: A Balanced Attack with Strong Inside Play
Tulane has made impressive strides this season and currently sits just one game behind the top spot in the AAC with a 5-2 record. The Green Wave are fresh off a solid 82-71 win over Rice, and while their season record (11-9) doesn’t quite reflect their potential, their 5-2 conference mark proves they’re ready to compete.
Tulane’s offensive attack is led by 6’8 junior forward Kaleb Banks, who scores 17.5 points per game and contributes 7.4 rebounds. Banks, who transferred from Indiana, has proven to be a versatile scorer, capable of both attacking the rim and hitting from deep, with 31 three-pointers made this season. Complementing Banks in the frontcourt is 6’7 forward Greg Glenn III, who contributes 9.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Glenn is a strong presence around the basket but isn’t known for his long-range shooting.
In the backcourt, sophomore guard Rowan Brumbaugh has been one of Tulane’s most reliable players. Averaging 14.5 points and 4.7 assists per game, Brumbaugh’s perimeter shooting is a significant asset for the Green Wave, hitting 39 three-pointers at a 35.5% clip.
Although Tulane’s overall efficiency is ranked 156th in both offensive and defensive efficiency, they have managed to stay competitive with their balanced attack. They play at a much slower pace than Memphis (ranked 186th in pace), which may help limit the Tigers’ fast-break opportunities.
Conclusion
While Tulane has shown flashes of brilliance this season, Memphis enters this game with a clear advantage in both offensive efficiency and overall depth. The Tigers’ top-tier defense, combined with Haggerty’s scoring prowess, should be enough to secure a victory on the road in this AAC battle. Tulane’s chances hinge on their ability to control the tempo, but Memphis’ fast pace and suffocating defense are likely to overpower the Green Wave.
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