Tigers play host to No. 22 Houston

Saturday, February 22

Memphis, Tenn.

1 PM

University of Memphis

Houston

Tickets

Penny Hardaway, 2020 Memphis men's basketball

Tigers meet 22nd-ranked Houston at 1 p.m. Saturday at FedExForum

Photo by: Joe Murphy

Feb 21, 2020 | Men's Basketball

Memphis Notes (vs. Houston)Houston Notes (vs. Memphis)

UofM and league-leading Cougars tip off at 1 p.m. at FedExForum

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Is this a case of saving the best for next-to-last?

The University of Memphis will play host to nationally ranked Houston at 1 p.m. Saturday in the next-to-last home game of the regular season. The Tigers will be playing their first ranked opponent at FedExForum this season and their first since meeting Houston in the American Athletic Conference Tournament a year ago.

The Tigers (18-8, 7-6 AAC) view the game as an opportunity. The UofM is attempting to end the season on a promising note following a recent three-game losing streak and the loss of No. 2 scorer D.J. Jeffries, a freshman forward from Olive Branch (Miss.).

A strong finish could help the Tigers secure a top four seed – and a first-round bye – in next month's AAC Men's Basketball Championship at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

"(The players) are very aware of the standings, but I'd rather (our team) focus on what's in front of them, one game at a time, and not really look ahead because it's hard enough to win a game.

"We were in all three games (the Tigers recently lost in succession) to win and didn't. We've just got to lock in on the small things and not worry about getting a first-round bye but buying in to what we need to do."

Houston will be a challenge, particularly on the boards. The Cougars (21-6, 11-3 AAC) have won nine of 11 with the only losses during that stretch coming in overtime at SMU and at Cincinnati. Houston is coming off a 76-43 victory against Tulsa.

On the boards, they are extremely tough. Houston ranks first in the AAC in rebound margin (+9.7), rebound average (41.3 per game) and offensive rebound average (13.9).

"Houston is going to put you in a position where you are going to be very uncomfortable the entire game, especially if you are out there playing nonchalant," Hardaway said. "I think we will meet that challenge. Houston is one of those teams that will bring the best out of (our) guys.

"Understanding that, I think they will be more careful, they'll be more understanding that this is the best team in our league. I think they'll be ready."

The Tigers are coming off a 77-73 victory over East Carolina Wednesday night at FedExForum, a game in which the UofM withstood a furious second-half ECU rally. The Pirates overcame a 16-point deficit to tie the game three times – including the last time at 69-all with 2:17 left. But the Tigers got key baskets from Precious Achiuwa and Boogie Ellis in the closing minutes and a clinching free throw by Ellis with 8.3 seconds to go.

TIGERS NOTEBOOK

The Tigers will have only one home game remaining after Saturday. The UofM ends its regular-season home schedule March 5 against Wichita State. Road games remaining Feb. 25 at SMU, Feb. 29 at Tulane and March 8 at Houston.
Tigers' freshman forward D.J. Jeffries has been walking the past week without crutches. He was diagnosed with a left knee injury before the team's Feb. 1 home game against UConn and hasn't played since. Tigers' coach Penny Hardaway said the original diagnosis of Jeffries being out four-to-six weeks remains the timetable.
Precious Achiuwa leads the AAC with 15 double-doubles. He also has the most double-doubles by freshman in Division 1.
The Tigers last defeated a ranked opponent at home during the 2017-18 season. Memphis beat No. 23 Houston, 91-85, Feb. 22, 2018.
Memphis leads the nation in field goal percentage defense (36.7).