The Tigers (15-5, 5-2 AAC) continue conference play this week, looking to improve their spot in fourth place in the American Athletic Conference standings.
The Tigers will travel to Philadelphia to face Temple (10-10, 1-6 AAC) on Wednesday, and return home to play the East Carolina Pirates (9-11, 1-6 AAC) on Saturday.
Last season, under Coach Josh Pastner, the Tigers went 1-1 against both Temple and East Carolina. The two teams are currently tied with Tulane for eighth in the American Athletic Conference, while Memphis is in fourth behind Cincinnati, SMU and Tulsa.
Room for Improvement
Memphis struggled in four of their last five games averaging double-digit turnovers. The Tigers took care of the ball in the win against UCF only turning the ball over six times.
Memphis has struggled from the free throw line all season long. However, in two of their last three wins, Memphis out shot their opponents by more than 15 percent from the free throw line. If Memphis can continue to make free throws and stay out of foul trouble they have a good chance to win these next two games.
A look at the opponents
Temple averages 64.3 points per game, and their leading scorers are Obi Enechionyia and Levan Shawn Alston who average 14.1 and 13.9 points per game, respectively.
However, the team is second in the conference when it comes to turnovers. This season, they have averaged 11.3 turnovers a game. Memphis should be able to capitalize on their poor ball handling.
East Carolina averages 62 points per game. However, they have averaged 54.3 points per game in conference play. They have struggled in AAC play because of their inability to score consistently.
Key Players
Memphis guard K.J. Lawson
K.J. Lawson has put up some big numbers recently. He scored 28 points in Memphis’ win over Houston and 16 in the win agiasnt UCF. He can help the Tigers continue to win if he can keep playing at this level.
Memphis forward Jimario Rivers
Jimario Rivers has had to step up since Chad Rykhoek was injured earlier this season against Oklahoma. In Sunday’s game against UCF, the 6-8 forward left the game appearing to have injured his ankle. However, he soon returned and finished the game. The Tigers have a slim bench and so they need their key players, like Rivers, to stay healthy.
Temple Guard Daniel Dingle
Dingle averages 12.1 points a game. The 6-7 guard is well rounded averaging 4.5 rebounds a game and 3.4 assists per game. He has also shown the ability to hit threes with 34 makes on the season. His playmaking ability and three-point shooting could cause a problem for Memphis.
ECU Guard Kentrell Barkley
Barkley averages 11.2 points per game and 6.9 rebounds per game, but he is doing it on 9.1 shots. The 6-5 guard has the potential to hit open shots and have a big game if the Tigers do not stay on him.
Jeremiah Martin pushes the ball up the court in the win against UCF. He led the team with five assists in the game.
Jimario Rivers, K.J. Lawson and Dedric Lawson converged on Tacko Fall for the block. Memphis continuously double and triple teamed the seven-footer in the paint.
