Memphis Tigers vs. Rice Owls Prediction: AAC Showdown in Texas
Memphis Tigers vs. Rice Owls Prediction: AAC Showdown in Texas
As February rolls in, two teams in search of momentum will meet on the court in the Lone Star State. The #19 Memphis Tigers (17-4, 7-1 AAC) head to Rice University (11-10, 2-6 AAC) for an AAC battle on Sunday afternoon. Memphis enters the game on a high, with a four-game winning streak, while Rice struggles, having lost six straight contests. Will Memphis continue its winning ways or can the Owls deliver an upset at home? Let’s dive into the Memphis vs. Rice prediction and key matchups.
Memphis Tigers Look to Extend Streak
Memphis has been a force in the AAC, currently tied for the top spot with a 7-1 conference record. They are riding high after a 68-56 road win against Tulane on Thursday, marking their fourth consecutive victory. The Tigers shot 44.8% from the field in that contest and were led by Dain Dainja, who posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Memphis managed to hold Tulane to just 36.2% shooting, demonstrating their ability to lock down on defense when it matters.
Offensively, Memphis averages a robust 78.4 points per game, ranking 85th in the nation in scoring. PJ Haggerty leads the charge with 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. The Tigers’ balanced scoring attack also features Tyrese Hunter (14.5 PPG), Colby Rogers (11.4 PPG), and Dainja, who contributes 12.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Memphis excels in shooting, connecting on 47.2% of their field goals and 39.5% of their three-pointers, ranking eighth in the nation in three-point shooting.
However, Memphis’ defense has been inconsistent, allowing 72.4 points per game, placing them 215th in the nation. They will need to shore up their defensive effort, especially with a trip to Rice’s home court looming. With their current momentum and depth, the Tigers look poised to continue their winning streak, but they must stay focused and avoid overlooking the Owls.
Rice Owls Searching for a Home Court Advantage
On the flip side, Rice is desperate for a victory. The Owls have struggled mightily in recent weeks, dropping six straight games, including a tough 69-64 loss to South Florida on Tuesday. Rice showed signs of life early in the game, leading 11-3, but ultimately faltered after a 14-2 run by South Florida to open the second half. Despite a solid 40% shooting performance, Rice couldn’t overcome their 19 turnovers, which proved to be costly.
Offensively, Rice averages just 70 points per game, ranking 285th nationally. Trae Broadnax is the primary scoring threat for the Owls, averaging 12.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Rice’s offense has been erratic, and they will need contributions from players like Alem Huseinovic (8.4 PPG) and Kellen Amos (8.5 PPG) if they hope to keep pace with a high-scoring Memphis team.
Defensively, Rice has been more effective, allowing just 68.7 points per game, good for 95th in the nation. They limit opponents to 39.8% shooting from the field and 30.3% from beyond the arc, but Memphis’ potent offense will likely present a significant challenge. Rice will need to tighten up their defense and cut down on turnovers to have a chance against the Tigers.
Conclusion
This AAC matchup pits two teams on very different trajectories. Memphis is rolling, while Rice is searching for a much-needed win. As the Tigers aim to extend their streak, they must address their defensive inconsistencies. Rice, on the other hand, needs to find a way to tighten up on both ends of the floor to stand a chance. This contest has all the makings of a competitive showdown, but Memphis looks poised to come away with the victory.
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