Oregon Basketball: 2019-20 keys to beating the Memphis Tigers

By Connor Hope | Nov 12, 2019

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: The Oregon Ducks mascot celebrates after defeating the UC Irvine Anteaters during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. Oregon defeated UC Irvine 73-54. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

4 of 4

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: Payton Pritchard #3 of the Oregon Ducks shoots against the UC Irvine Anteaters in the first half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

Force the game to be won in the backcourt

It should be quite clear by now that the biggest concern for the Ducks in this game is going to be the star freshman center James Wiseman. Limiting Wiseman’s touches should be the focal point of this game, as he creates the biggest mismatch in the game.

While Boogie Ellis, Alex Lomax, Tyler Harris and Lester Quinones form an excellent backcourt, even without the focus on Wiseman, the Ducks have a clear advantage in this department. Payton Pritchard could be the frontrunner for Pac-12 Player of the Year, Anthony Mathis is one of the best jump-shooting guards in the country, and Will Richardson provides a solid option off the bench.

Because of this advantage, Dana Altman will need Chris Duarte and Addison Patterson to use their length on the perimeter to prevent passes into the paint. Boogie Ellis is a solid shooter, and Precious Achiuwa can also stretch the floor, but the Ducks would much rather force the Tigers to score from the perimeter than give up 80% on the inside to Wiseman.

Next. Top 25 power rankings. dark

I am not sure the Ducks will be able to prevent the potential top pick in the NBA draft from making his mark on this game, but they need to limit his production as much as possible.

Home/Oregon Ducks