Busting Brackets
Fansided

Memphis Basketball: Keys for 2019-20 game against Illinois-Chicago

By Joe Chambers

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Penny Hardaway of the Memphis Tigers reacts against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the HoopHall Miami Invitational at American Airlines Arena on December 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Penny Hardaway of the Memphis Tigers reacts against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the HoopHall Miami Invitational at American Airlines Arena on December 1, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
AUBURN HILLS, MI – MARCH 23: The mascot for the Memphis Tigers performs against the Michigan State Spartans during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at The Palace of Auburn Hills on March 23, 2013 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – MARCH 23: The mascot for the Memphis Tigers performs against the Michigan State Spartans during the third round of the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at The Palace of Auburn Hills on March 23, 2013 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Key #2 – Ball Control

South Carolina St. turned the ball over 18 times where Memphis turned the ball over 13 times. They have to have ball control and the ability to take care of the ball is key. The Horizon League is a great mid-major conference and the Flames are going to be looking to upset the nationally-ranked Tigers. They must limit their turnovers to less than 12.

If the Tigers can limit their turnovers to less than 12, they will be able to create a sizeable lead against the Flames. The pressure that the Flames will bring will cause their guards to have to make uncomfortable plays at times, but if the Tigers can control the ball and then look for Wiseman in the post, they should be just fine.

Key #3 – Rebounding

Memphis has the height over the Flames so rebounding should not be much of a problem against the Flames. Wiseman will be main rebounder for the Tigers. If Wiseman can’t grab rebounds, the Tigers may be in a dogfight with the Flames. The Tigers have to win the rebounding battle for them to not only get a W against the Flames but to be competitive in other non-conference match-ups and against conference opponents.

Next. Biggest takeaways from Champions Classic. dark

Rebounding is a big key in containing leads and winning games. I’ve said that free throws are important, but rebounding can shift the game. Rebounds can get you in transition and can cause the opponents to get nervous and get uncomfortable. The Tigers want to play their style of play. There may be times in the game where the Tigers could be playing similar to the Flames for a little, but overall it will the Tigers winning the rebound battle.