Memphis - Mississippi State Preview

South- Round Two
Memphis Tigers (1) Vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (8)
Sunday, March 23 @ 4:45 pm
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The Memphis Tigers took it to the University of Texas-Arlington, winning 87- 63. The Tigers led for most of the game and dominated every area. Memphis hit 52% from the floor and 45% from the 3-point mark. They were accurate 63% of the time from the free throw line. It was a game that sharp bettors feasted on, taking Texas Arlington +24.5 or better while laying Memphis at 23.5 or lower. With the points spread landing on 24 it was easily the worst game for the books in the opening round.

The Tigers has five players that scored in double digits. Guard Chris Douglas-Roberts led all scorers with 23 points. He also dished off a team-best 4 assists. Guards Antonio Anderson and Derrick Rose each put in 17 points. Forward Joey Dorsey grabbed 9 rebounds, while Robert Dozier and Rose each took down 5 rebbies.

In their first round game, Mississippi State, the #8 seed, trailed Oregon, the #9 seed, by 10 at the half. At 13:22 in the second, the Dogs recorded their 12th straight miss. They were down by 9. Then at 13:21 Mississippi State’s Barry Stewart buried a three and the Bulldogs started their run. With 6:53 left in the game, State and the Ducks were tied at 57. After that, the Bulldogs started to pull away and never looked back.

The high scorer was the Bulldogs’ forward/center Charles Rhodes who put in 34 points while grabbing 9 rebounds. Guard/forward Jamont Gordon led all players with 11 rebounds and 9 assists. He scored 8 points. Stewart hit for 16.

Neither club was stellar from the three-point arc. The Dogs has 6 blocks and seven more rebounds than their opponents. Mississippi State hit 47% of their field goals, while the Ducks were good only 34% of the time.

The Memphis Tigers are extremely deep and play very well. This is one of those games where it’s almost impossible to envision an upset, but make sure you have an expert college basketball handicapper on your side. Memphis will be going to the Sweet Sixteen after this game and Mississippi State will be going home, but who will cover is the big question? Maddux has your answer.