Wichita State Basketball: 2019-20 keys to get statement win against Memphis

Create Turnovers Without Getting Out of Control

The clearest edge that Wichita State has over Memphis is their ability to create turnovers while also not getting sloppy with the ball themselves. While Wichita State keeps itself under control, committing just 12.2 turnovers per game, Memphis plays a very chaotic style of basketball. They play at the country’s 13th fastest pace, commit 16.8 turnovers per game, and create 17.7 turnovers per game. Wichita State also finds itself among the nation’s best turnover creators, forcing opponents into 16.5 per game.

As I’ve discussed on the last two slides, Memphis’s defense is going to make easy buckets tough to find for the Shockers. If they can create turnovers to get themselves some easy points, it might

be able to spark their offense and help them find some rhythm against a stifling defense. It will also help to slow down a Memphis offense that is scoring the 20th most points in the country so far this season.

The key though is for the Shockers to do this without turning the ball over themselves. The last thing they want to do is to let this game get out of control because that plays right into Memphis’ hands. Memphis should have just as tough of a time scoring as the Shockers do. The Shocker defense is holding opponents to the 37th least points in the country. If Wichita State can limit their turnovers and force Memphis beat them in a half-court offense, then Memphis will have a tough time getting their offense going in a difficult road environment.

The turnover battle just might be the most important factor in this game, so it’s imperative that Wichita State wins it.