Memphis vs Murray State: 2021-22 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
By Matt Melton
Having dropped their last three games, Memphis looks to get back on their winning ways against one of the top teams in the OVC.
When: Friday, December 10 at 8:00 pm ET on ESPN+
Location: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Badly needing a win to snap a three-game losing streak, Memphis hosts Murray State in what could be a trap game for the Tigers.
Memphis (5-3) has dropped three straight games across the last week and a half, two of which came on the road to SEC opponents including a 67-63 loss at Ole Miss on Saturday. While the contest was close throughout, the Tigers struggled mightily shooting the ball as Memphis shot 38.8% from the field and 18.2% (2-for-11) from three, as well as going 23-for-37 from the free throw line.
However, FedExForum has been kind to the Tigers this season as Memphis owns a 4-0 record at home, and they come into this contest averaging 76.6 PPG while allowing 67.5 PPG to opponents. Leading the way for head coach Penny Hardaway’s Tigers is the star freshman duo of Emoni Bates (11.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG) and Jalen Duren (10 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.3 BPG), while Memphis has also gotten strong play from a few others in particular such as senior DeAndre Williams who combined with Duren composes one of the top frontcourt duos in the AAC.
Murray State comes into this contest having won four-in-a-row which includes a 93-87 win over Middle Tennessee State on Saturday. A game in which the Racers led for a majority, Murray State shot a combined 49.2% from the field, and had five players in double-figures led by South Carolina transfer guard Trae Hannibal with 19.
The Racers sit at 7-1 on the year and are averaging 83.4 PPG offensively on 51.3% shooting while allowing only 65 PPG to opponents. One of the top teams in the OVC, Murray State are led by the duo of Tevin Brown (18.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.5 APG) and KJ Williams (17.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG), while guards Justice Hill and the previously mentioned Hannibal also average in double-figures.
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After losing three straight to fall out of the Top 25, Memphis needs a bounce-back performance here, but this is a tough matchup against a very-good Murray State team. Undoubtedly the Racers’ toughest test yet this season however, Memphis should get back on their winning ways here, but this could potentially be a prime upset opportunity with two teams seemingly heading in different directions.
Prediction: Memphis 78, Murray State 69