Memphis Look to Bounce Back Against Struggling Charlotte in AAC Showdown
Memphis Tigers vs. Charlotte 49ers Prediction
The Memphis Tigers (13-4) will face off against the Charlotte 49ers (7-11) on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in an American Athletic Conference (AAC) showdown at Halton Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina. This will be the teams’ only regular-season meeting, and Memphis is looking to extend its dominance with a third consecutive win over Charlotte. Let’s dive into the key matchups and team dynamics ahead of this exciting contest.
Memphis Tigers: Bouncing Back After a Setback
The Memphis Tigers have been a formidable force this season, entering this game with a 13-4 record. However, they come into this matchup on the heels of an 88-81 loss to Temple that snapped a four-game winning streak. In the defeat, Memphis struggled with their shooting efficiency, hitting only 6 of 21 three-pointers and missing 10 of their 31 free-throw attempts. The Tigers also struggled to contain Temple’s offensive rebounds, allowing a staggering 22 offensive boards.
Despite the setback, Memphis still boasts a dynamic lineup, led by PJ Haggerty, who is averaging 22.3 points per game (PPG) and 5.5 rebounds per game (RPG). Another key player is Tyrese Hunter, contributing 15.1 PPG and 3.3 assists per game. Collectively, Memphis scores 114.5 points per 100 possessions, ranking 54th nationally. However, their defense has been inconsistent, yielding 99.1 points per 100 possessions (61st in the nation). The Tigers remain highly ranked in the NCAA NET Rankings (No. 41) and are No. 18 in the AP Top 25 Poll, making them a tough opponent for Charlotte.
Charlotte 49ers: Struggling to Find Consistency
The Charlotte 49ers, on the other hand, are having a tough season, sitting at 7-11 overall and struggling with a six-game losing streak. They are still looking for their first conference win, having dropped to 0-5 in AAC play. In their most recent game, Charlotte lost 68-59 to Wichita State, despite covering the 10.5-point spread. The 49ers shot a dismal 32.8% from the field and were dominated in the paint, being outscored 42-26.
The team’s offensive struggles have been apparent all season. Charlotte ranks 214th in the nation in offensive efficiency, averaging only 104.1 points per 100 possessions. Defensively, the 49ers have been even worse, ranking 309th in defensive efficiency, allowing 113.6 points per 100 possessions. Despite the team’s difficulties, Nik Graves has been a bright spot, leading the 49ers with 16.6 PPG, along with 4.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Giancarlo Rosado, another key contributor, averages 11.8 PPG and 6.0 RPG.
Conclusion
Given the disparity in offensive and defensive efficiency, Memphis is the clear favorite in this matchup. The Tigers have the depth, talent, and experience to overwhelm Charlotte, particularly with their high-scoring offense. Charlotte’s struggles in shooting and defense make it difficult to envision an upset in this game.
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