Busting Brackets
Fansided

Memphis vs Cincinnati: 2019-20 key storylines for return game at Bearcats

By Ben Andreatta

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 18: Jarron Cumberland #34 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drives against Jordan Bowden #23 of the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half of the game at Fifth Third Arena on December 18, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 18: Jarron Cumberland #34 of the Cincinnati Bearcats drives against Jordan Bowden #23 of the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half of the game at Fifth Third Arena on December 18, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Penny Hardaway of the Memphis Tigers (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Penny Hardaway of the Memphis Tigers (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

In a game that both teams desperately need a win to keep their bubble hopes alive, Cincinnati will host Memphis hoping to avenge their earlier defeat this season, what are the key storylines?

Memphis is heading to Cincinnati on Thursday (7:00 ET, ESPN) in what will be a rematch of their January 16th game in which Memphis defeated Cincinnati 60-49. DJ Jeffries leads the Tigers with 18 points while Jarron Cumberland had 19 for Cincinnati.

Cincinnati has since won five of their last six games, they had a five-game winning streak snapped this past Sunday in an overtime road defeat to UConn. Memphis had a three-game winning streak snapped on Sunday as well when they lost to South Florida.

With the conference tournament, just a month away and Selection Sunday not far behind both teams are looking to obtain an at large bid and put themselves into a position for a first-round bye in the conference tournament. Memphis will sit half a game behind SMU after the Mustangs took care of business against UConn Wednesday night.

Both teams are capable of winning the AAC Tournament when they’re playing their best ball, Memphis is banged up but will be looking to rally after a disappointing defeat on the weekend. Cincinnati is also coming off a loss and can’t afford to drop two straight, both are on the bubble, it’s safe to say there’s a lot riding on this game for both teams. Here’s what’s at stake and the key storylines for the Memphis and Cincinnati rematch.