Memphis, TN (My Sportsbook) - The 22nd-ranked Memphis Tigers will try to remain perfect in Conference USA action when they host the Rice Owls this evening at FedExForum.
The Owls come into this crucial battle on a low note, having lost four of their last five games, including an embarrassing 77-52 setback to UCF on Saturday. The Owls have struggled on the road thus far, dropping five of their six matchups as the visitor. Following this clash, the Owls will remain on the road to take on UAB before returning home for two in a row.
As for the Tigers, they storm into this meeting riding an eight-game win streak. The most recent victory for the team was an 81-68 decision over UAB. It was the fourth conference victory of the season for Memphis, which has now won 37 straight regular-season matchups in C-USA play. Memphis has also been a tough out at home, posting an 84-10 ledger since FedExForum opened, and that includes the team's 10-1 home mark this season.
Memphis has dominated the Owls in the all-time series, winning all five previous matchups, including a convincing 77-50 decision in the most recent tussle.
The Owls have not been impressive at the offensive end of the court as the team is averaging just 65.0 ppg, while shooting a mere 41.8 percent from the floor. Cory Pflieger is the only player posting double figures on the season as the guard is netting 10.4 ppg, to go along with 4.2 rpg. Rodney Foster is contributing just 9.8 ppg on the year, but the guard is leading the team with 4.2 apg. The poor offensive play continued in the last matchup for Rice, as the team tallied just 52 points in a loss to UCF. The Owls shot a poor 33.3 percent from the field, and that included a terrible 5-of-22 clip from long range. Connor Frizzelle led the way with 14 points off the bench, but no other player finished with double figures. Pflieger struggled in the loss, shooting just 2-of-10 from the field, en route to an eight-point showing.
The Tigers have been tenacious at the defensive end of the floor this season, holding opponents to a weak 37.2 percent shooting effort, while limiting teams to just 61.8 ppg. Not to be overlooked is the team's play at the other end of the court, as the Tigers are averaging an impressive 77.2 ppg. Tyreke Evans has done it all for Memphis this season, as the guard is leading the team with 17.2 ppg. Evans is also pulling down 5.4 rpg, while posting 65 assists and a team-best 45 steals. Robert Dozier and Shawn Taggart have been a dangerous duo in the paint, as Dozier is contributing 11.8 ppg and 6.6 rpg, while Taggart is chipping in 10.4 ppg and a team-best 7.6 rpg. The Tigers were too much for UAB this past Saturday, as Memphis held the Blazers to just 68 points in an easy victory. Memphis shot a stellar 52.8 percent from the field, and also made 9- of-16 attempts from behind the arc en route to an 81-point performance. Evans led the way with 24 points, while Willie Kemp posted 14 points off the bench. Antonio Anderson had an all-around strong showing, as the guard contributed 11 points, to go along with seven boards and five assists. Doneal Mack tallied 11 points in the win, while Dozier chipped in with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
