Houston Cougars (31-2) vs Memphis Tigers (25-8)
Game Info: Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 3:15 pm (Dickies Arena)
Betting Odds: Houston Cougars -6 -- Over/Under: 135 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Houston Cougars and the Memphis Tigers will face off in Fort Worth for the AAC Championship from the Dickies Arena on ESPN.
Memphis moved to 25-8 after defeating Tulane in the semifinals. The Tigers held the Green Wave to 17 first half points en route to a massive 40-point victory, 94-54. Memphis is scoring 79.9 points per game, while allowing 72.8 ppg, and shooting 48.4% from the field.
Memphis has won eleven of their last thirteen games, and they’ll look to avoid being swept by Memphis here. The Tigers are 13-4 in AAC play, with a 13-1 home record. Senior guard Kendric Davis spoiled his former school’s senior night with a team-high 23 points in the win over SMU, and he leads Memphis in scoring (21.3) and assists (5.8). Veteran Deandre Williams matched his energy with 21 points against the Bearcats, and he’s up to 17.3 ppg and a team-leading 7.8 rpg.
Houston improved to 31-2 after defeating East Carolina in the quarterfinals. The Cougars pounced on the Bearcats early, and send home with a 21-point win, 69-48. MHouston is scoring 76.3 points per game, while allowing 56.2 ppg, and shooting 47.1% from the field.
Houston has arguably been the most impressive team in the nation, and aside from a second half collapse versus Alabama and a single-point loss to Temple, they’ve been flawless over the past four months. Senior guard Marcus Sasser has scored 20 points or more in each of the last seven of the last eight games, and after a 30-point outing versus ECU, he’s up a team-lead 17.1 ppg. Freshman forward Jarace Walker scored 25 points in the January win over Cincy, and he’s second on the team in scoring (11.1) and rebounding (6.7). Veteran point guard Jamal Shead went off for a season-high 25 points in the win over Wichita, then hit a game-winner against Memphis and he’s averaging 9.9 ppg and a team-leading 5.4 apg. Third-year Cougs Tramon Mark (10.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and J’Wan Roberts (10.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg) round out the starting five.
Memphis is 20-10 against the spread this season, with a 16-13-1 over/under record. Houston is 17-14 ATS this year, with a 15-16 o/u record.
Can Memphis do it? I loved Penny Hardaway growing up, but it’s hard to see them knocking off Houston in Texas. The Tigers 40-point win over Tulane was a impressive, but they will indeed face an uphill battle here. Memphis kept things close as hosts on the late matchup, but with this set to go down in Texas, I like the Cougs winning and covering.
Corey’s Pick Houston -6
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
