Memphis Tigers (6-5) vs Wichita State Shockers (8-3)
Game Info: Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 7:00 pm (FedExForum)
Betting Odds: Memphis Tigers -2.5 -- Over/Under: 141 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN2 Stream College Basketball all season on ESPN+. Sign up now!
The Wichita State Shockers will travel to FedExForum to take on the Memphis Tigers this Thursday night in College Basketball action.
The Wichita State Shockers won their 2nd straight game and improved to 8-3 on the season after defeating the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on January 13th. Wichita State was outstanding on both ends of the court against a very talented Tulsa team and had no trouble securing the victory after going into halftime with a 37-24 lead. Wichita State shot 41.8% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc. Wichita State outrebounded Tulsa by a 43-39 margin and committed just 10 turnovers in the victory. Leading the way for the Shockers was Morris Udeze who had 20 points, 8 rebounds, & 1 block.
On the season, Wichita State is averaging 74.2 ppg on 40.9% shooting from the field. The Shockers are averaging 7.6 three-pointers per game on 32.4% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Wichita State has been led by Tyson Etienne (17.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.3 apg), Morris Udeze (9.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.0 bpg), Alterique Gilbert (9.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.5 spg), & Dexter Dennis (8.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg).
Defensively, Wichita State is allowing their opponents to average 67.2 ppg on 38.7% shooting from the field. The Shockers have a rebound margin of 0.0 and a turnover margin of 1.3.
The Memphis Tigers dropped to 6-5 on the season after being defeated by the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 58-57, this past Sunday. Memphis struggled with turnovers against the tough Tulsa defense and could not fight back into the game after a 9-0 Golden Hurricane run gave Tulsa a 54-49 lead with 4:04 left in regulation. Memphis shot 47.8% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc while Tulsa shot 44.4% from the field and 18.8% from beyond the arc. Memphis outrebounded Tulsa by a 35-23 margin, however, lost the turnover battle by a 21-14 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Tigers was Malcolm Dandridge who had a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, & 3 blocks.
On the season, Memphis is averaging 70.7 ppg on 41.8% shooting from the field. The Tigers are averaging 6.4 three-pointers per game on 30.2% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Memphis has been led by Landers Nolley II (13.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.5 apg), D.J. Jeffries (11.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.5 spg), DeAndre Williams (10.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 3.0 spg, 1.0 bpg), & Lester Quinones (10.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.1 spg).
Defensively, Memphis is holding their opponents to an average of 63.5 ppg on 39.5% shooting from the field. The Tigers have a rebound margin of 7.1 and a turnover margin of 1.2.
The Shockers are 6-01 ATS in their last 7 games overall and 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 road games. The Tigers are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games overall and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Memphis has been one of the more disappointing teams so far this season as the Tigers have lost 3 of their last 5 games and have struggled offensively as they come into this matchup ranked just 205th in scoring offense, 270th in FG%, & 286th in 3P-FG%. Wichita State has been solid on both ends of the court, especially on the defense end where they rank 18th in defensive FG%, and have been playing some great basketball as of late, winning 7 of their last 8 games. Wichita State has an impressive 3-1 record on the road this season with an impressive win a Tulsa and as I think their defense will be able to give Memphis trouble, I think the play here is to take the Shockers and the points. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Wichita State Shockers +2.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Follow Brett Nault on Twitter @BrettCU05