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Memphis hoping to build momentum ahead of Saturday's clash with UConn

Courtesy of a career night from Lance Thomas and Precious Achiuwa’s 11th double-double of the season, the Memphis Tigers were able to end their skid and escape Orlando with a much-needed win over the UCF Knights.

Now, as they prepare to return home to take on the UConn Huskies this Saturday, the Tigers arhopeful that Wednesday night’s win is a sign of things to come. 

Saturday’s matchup is noteworthy since it will be the last time the Huskies will travel to FedExForum as members of the AAC. After this season, they will drop from the league and return to the Big East, where they saw great success before making the switch to the American in 2013. 

“It’s very disappointing,” Penny Hardaway said. “The conference is still strong. It’s definitely still strong, but you’ll miss UConn being in the conference because of their history and the championships they’ve won on both sides -men's and women’s - but the conference is still really strong.” 

The Huskies, who enter Saturday’s contest at 11-8, will be looking to pick up a huge road win after some disappointing January results. Over the last three weeks alone, head coach Dan Hurley’s team lost to Wichita State in double-overtime, fell to Villanova by six on the road and dropped another overtime heartbreaker to Tulsa at home last weekend.  

They are led by senior guard Christian Vital, whose 14.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.5 steals per contest are all good enough for the team lead. While Vital plays a major role, the Husky offense features a balanced attack that includes five players averaging at least nine points per game.  

One of the bright spots of the year so far for UConn has been the sustained health of junior guard Alterique Gilbert, a former McDonald's All-American who has struggled with injuries every year he has been in Storrs. Gilbert’s first two seasons were cut short due to shoulder injuries, and a concussion ended his 2018 campaign prematurely. As a redshirt junior, Gilbert is fourth on the team in scoring at 9.4 ppg and leads the team in assists with 4.6 per contest.   

For Hardaway, the time to deliver on all those offseason proclamations is now. Despite the extreme adversity they have faced, March waits for no one, and the Tigers must continue to work and show signs of improvement as the calendar turns to February. Wednesday night’s win at UCF is a good start, but they have got to show they can show up ready to play each time out and handle their business against the teams they are supposed to beat.  

Saturday’s tilt against the Huskies is one they should be able to handle if they do not fall back into their bad habits. 

The formula is not complicated: avoid turnovers, make the extra pass and continue to play strong defense. 

It is officially the stretch run for these Tigers, and fans can expect a true idea of what the team can accomplish over the next few weeksTip-off against UConn is set for 12 p.m.  


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