Memphis - Texas Arlington Preview

South- Round One
Memphis Tigers (1) Vs. Texas-Arlington Mavericks (16)
Friday, March 21 @ 9:55 pm
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Memphis -24.5

The #3 Memphis Tigers (16- 0 C-USA, 33- 1) came within minutes of notching a perfect season, but they lost the opportunity on February 22 when Tennessee handed them their first and only loss by a score of 66- 62.

Memphis has two go-to guys. Junior guard Chris Douglas-Roberts (17.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG), who is the top scorer, has the experience to see a good opportunity and the quickness to take advantage of it. He knocks down 55% of his shots. Freshman point guard Derrick Rose (13.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.5 APG) has athleticism to spare. At forward, Joey Dorsey (6.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG) knows how to use his bulk to command the paint. Junior forward Robert Dozier (9.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 1.2 SPG) generates points and negates opponent offenses. Memphis plays determined defense as can be seen by their 8.7 SPG and 6.1 BPG. Their 57% free throw average is lower than it should be.

The University of Texas-Arlington Mavericks (7- 9 Southland, 21- 11 overall) made the Big Dance because they swept their conference tournament by upsetting three teams, earning their first NCAA Tournament berth.

The team fell apart during the regular season after key guard Brandon Long went down with a season ending injury. But the Mavericks started to find their feet again towards the end of the season. The fact is this is a team that can score. Forward Anthony Vereen (13.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG) leads the club in scoring, with guard Rog’er Guignard (13.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.6 APG) just 6/10ths of a point behind him. Guard Brandon Long (12.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG) leads the team in free throw success, hitting 79%. Forward Jermain Posey (12.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG) hits 64% of his shots from the field. Team free throws connect 66% of the time.

If the Mavs can get into a shooting contest, they have a chance. But a superior Memphis defense led by some exceptionally athletic players should result in an easy Tiger win.

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