Memphis, Tennessee — Tonight, the Memphis Tigers will take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at 7 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Center, live on ESPN+. This match pits two talented teams against one another, each showcasing impressive skills in different areas.
Memphis (9-8, 4-1 American Conference) is riding high, having won five of its last six games. The Tigers have tightened up their defense, making them a tough opponent. They rank in the top 15 nationally for three-point defense, holding opponents to under 30% shooting from beyond the arc in 11 games this season. In conference play, their opponents have shot only 23.2% from three-point range.
On the other side, Tulsa (15-3, 3-2 American) excels in three-point shooting, ranking ninth in the country with a 39.7% success rate. They lead the American Conference with 10.4 three-pointers made per game, making for a thrilling matchup.
Memphis just had a standout game, defeating UTSA 95-69, boasting 23 assists and four players scoring in double figures. This performance highlighted their growth: they’ve improved their record and stats significantly over the last six games. Here are some quick comparisons:
- Record: From 4-7 to 5-1
- 3-Point Percentage: Increased from 30.7% to 37.8%
- Opponents’ Points Per Game: Dropped from 76.4 to 66.0
- Steals per Game: Jumped from 8.7 to 11.3
Coach Penny Hardaway’s team is also known for its resilience in close games. Since the 2018-19 season, they rank fourth nationally in games decided by nine points or less, with 80 victories in those nail-biters.
One standout player for Memphis is senior guard Dug McDaniel. He averages 14.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, while also contributing 2.2 steals. His recent performances, including a career-high nine rebounds against Temple, add depth to his role.
Sincere Parker has emerged as a strong bench player, scoring 22 points in the last game. He has reached double digits off the bench in eight games this season. Curtis Givens III, averaging 9.2 points per game, also received honors for his consistent play last week.
Looking ahead, it’s interesting to note that Memphis has won five straight games against Tulsa, including three on the road. This continuity has established a competitive edge for the Tigers in past seasons.
Regarding Tulsa, they have already surpassed their win total from four of the past five seasons. Under Coach Eric Konkol, the Golden Hurricane recently achieved a landmark victory, defeating UAB on the road.
David Green is a key player for Tulsa, averaging 16.7 points and 5.1 rebounds. Over his last six games, he’s been on fire, scoring an average of 23.7 points. He recently received American Conference Player of the Week honors for his stellar performance.
Tulsa’s shooting is a team effort, with eight players hitting above 35% from three. Their consistency contributes to their strong standing in the conference.
As both teams clash tonight, fans can expect a fierce battle of defense against sharp shooting. This matchup not only showcases the skills of individual players but also the collective strength of each team.
For more updates on Memphis basketball, check the official website and follow them on social media.
