Memphis, LSU to stage 8 p.m. battle Thursday at FedExForum

Thursday, December 28

Memphis, Tenn.

8 PM

University of Memphis

LSU

Tickets

Photo by: Matthew Smith

Memphis, LSU to stage 8 p.m. battle Thursday at FedExForum

Dec 27, 2017 | Men's Basketball

Memphis Game Notes (vs. LSU)LSU Game Notes (vs. Memphis)

By: Phil Stukenborg

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In its nine games at FedExForum this season, the University of Memphis men's basketball team has endured its share of scares.

The Tigers (9-3) have overcome double-digit, second-half deficits and rallied in the closing seconds to force, and win, in overtime.

As the Tigers prepare for Thursday's final home game in 2017, the challenge they'll find will be, perhaps, the strongest to date at FedExForum. LSU brings an 8-3 record and momentum generated from first-year coach Will Wade's enthusiasm and his team's strong defensive mindset.

LSU has allowed its past two opponents fewer than 60 points per game, a first for the program in six seasons.

Tipoff is 8 p.m.

Memphis has enjoyed back-to-back wins over Siena and Loyola (Md.) and watched several of its first-year players emerge in the process. Junior college transfer Raynere Thornton had 13 points in the win over Siena and followed with a double-double (16 points, 11 rebounds) in the victory over Loyola.

Freshman David Nickelberry was impressive during the week, too. Nickelberry had seven points, six rebounds and key second-half 3-pointer against Siena and a season-best outing off the bench against Loyola. He finished with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals in the 83-71 victory and was named the American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week Tuesday.

"(David) has great vision," said Memphis coach Tubby Smith. "That's why we recruited him."

Smith said Wednesday that senior Jimario Rivers, who has missed the past two games going through concussion protocol, will return. Rivers was injured in the loss to Louisville at Madison Square Garden Dec. 16 and missed the Siena and Loyola games.

Rivers is averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds and has started each of the 10 games he has played.

"He'll play," Smith said. "I'm not sure if he'll start."

Thornton started in place of Rivers the past two games and has given the team a strong presence on the boards, in addition to providing some scoring punch.

Smith said it was good to have Rivers back because "he's our inspirational leader, he brings toughness, he's been through a number of wars."

Smith and Rivers said LSU will be a tough opponent because of its length and athleticism.

To preserve the home winning streak, Memphis will have to be wary of falling behind by double digits as it has against several opponents at FedExForum.

"It's been a good start to the season," Smith said. "There have been some wins we barely got by, but they were wins.

"Now the (opponents) are going to get tougher. We have our work cut out for us."

The 8 p.m. game will be carried by CBS Sports Network.