Tigers, Bearcats renew rivalry at 6 p.m. Thursday

Thursday, January 16

Memphis, Tenn.

6 PM

University of Memphis

Cincinnati

Tickets

Memphis Men’s Basketball vs. University of Georgia

Alex Lomax returned to the starting lineup in last weekend's win at USF.

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Jan 15, 2020 | Men's Basketball

Memphis Notes (vs. Cincinnati)Cincinnati Notes (vs. Memphis)

Memphis, UC will be meeting for the 80th time in AAC showdown

By: Phil Stukenborg

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Four days after posting a remarkable comeback against USF in an American Athletic Conference victory in Tampa, the University of Memphis will be back home Thursday night at FedExForum hoping to add another, albeit win with less dramatics.

The No. 22 Tigers (13-3, 2-1 AAC) recovered from a 14-point deficit against USF behind the heroics of Precious Achiuwa and Tyler Harris. Achiuwa finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds for his fifth-straight double-double and ninth of the season. Harris dropped in 17 points for the second-straight game.

Against Cincinnati (10-6, 3-1 AAC), the Tigers will be challenged by a Bearcats' team blessed with height. UC's roster features two 7-footers, including leading scorer Chris Vogt, a 7-foot-1 center averaging 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

The Bearcats also have not one, but two Cumblerlands. Reigning AAC Player of the Year Jarron Cumberland (13.3 points, 3.9 assists) is back for his senior year, while Jarron's cousin, Jaevin, is contributing 10.4 points per game off the bench.

UC is also in its first season with John Brannen as head coach. He came from Northern Kentucky when Mick Cronin left to take the UCLA job after last season.

Tigers coach Penny Hardaway said fans may see a slightly different look from the Bearcats.

"Coach Cronin set a standard over the years," Hardaway said. "A hard-nosed, physical team that grinds you out and wins on defense and doesn't really worry about the offensive end.

"Coach Brannen is going to shoot a bunch of 3s with a defensive mentality. He is opening up the offense more for everybody."

The Tigers will counter with a new-look lineup for the second-straight game. Center Malcolm Dandridge, point guard Alex Lomax and shooting guard Lester Quinones moved into the starting lineup in the win at USF and are expected to start again.

What Hardaway hopes is the team's tendency to commit turnovers will subside. The Tigers have made 20 or more turnovers in three of their past six games.

"We are a young team and we think every pass is going to be there," Hardaway said. "At this level, you have to think before you pass."

NOTES

The Memphis bench has contributed 515 points this season through 16 games, an average of 32.2 per game.
Tigers' reserves have scored 30 score more points in 11 games this season. In those 11 games, the UofM is 10-1.
Cincinnati is ranked first in the AAC in scoring defense allowing 56.2 point per game; first in field-goal percentage defense (36.6 percent) and first in 3-point field-goal percentage defense (21.7 percent).
UC's 7-foot-1 center Chris Vogt ranks second nationally in shooting at 70.5 percent. He has made 91-of-129 from the field.
Tiger forward Precious Achiuwa is averaging a double-double of 15.6 points and 10.4 rebounds. He is the only player in the AAC averaging a double-double.