The Memphis Tigers will look to keep the early-season hype train rolling as they host the Illinois-Chicago Flames on Friday night.
TV Schedule: Friday, November 8, 2019 at 7:00 PM ET, ESPNU
Location: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
Hype has served as the early-season fuel for the Memphis Tigers in 2019-20. It carried them into Tuesday’s opener against South Carolina State, which proved to be a rousing success. It should carry them again against the Illinois-Chicago Flames on Friday before Memphis’ first big test of the season.
Things couldn’t have gone much better for Memphis in their first game of the year. They were led by the top recruit in the country, who lived up to expectations after missing the preseason. James Wiseman scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the 97-64 victory. He also blocked three shots (out of 10 on the night for the Tigers).
Sure, it was against South Carolina State, but if Wiseman can produce like this more often, Penny Hardaway might have something special on his hands.
He’s not the only freshman who came to play for the Tigers, either. Precious Achiuwa dropped 14 points with eight rebounds, throwing in a block for good measure. Damian Baugh scored eight points and dished eight assists. Off the bench, D.J. Jeffries put up a well-rounded line, scoring five, dishing four, grabbing four rebounds and blocking four shots.
Hardaway must be chomping at the bit right now.
The Flames have a game in the can as well, although it was significantly less impressive; they beat NAIA school Olivet Nazarene in a nailbiter, 75-72, at home. It wasn’t the type of performance that inspires a ton of confidence for the season.
Godwin Boahen led Illinois-Chicago with 21 points, including the go-ahead basket. Entering his senior season, Boahen projects to be one of the better players in the Horizon League. Even against Memphis’ foreboding big men, Boahen should be able to knock down baskets.
The Tigers might be at a mental disadvantage on Friday if Hardaway doesn’t coach his young guys up enough. Following the Flames, the Tigers play their first big game of the season, against the similarly-ranked Oregon Ducks. Memphis’ players can’t be caught looking ahead.
Even if they do take a peek beyond Friday, however, Memphis should have little issue rolling Illinois-Chicago.
Prediction: Memphis 80, Illinois-Chicago 49