Memphis Basketball has one last non-con game before going into AAC play. But it's a big matchup for them, taking on the No. 16 ranked Ole Miss Rebels. It's part of a multi-year series between the programs, with this one taking place in Memphis.
Based on how the rest of the American Athletic Conference has looked, this will be the toughest game left on the schedule for the Tigers. Here are three keys to the matchup against the Rebels.
1. PJ Haggerty has to be the best guard on the floor
The 6’3 guard is one of the top scorers in the country, averaging 22.2 ppg on 48% shooting from the field. But while Ole Miss doesn’t have a single player who scores that much, they do have four double-digit scorers who can all go off. Haggerty and Tyrese Hunter must match their production to have a shot. One thing that can work in their favor is that Haggerty draws fouls at one of the highest rates in the country and getting a couple of them in foul trouble will be key.
2. Dealing with the hometown players
Ole Miss has two players from Memphis, Matthew Murrell (12.3 ppg) and rotation wing Devon Barnes (6.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg). In the past, Murrell has played well against the Tigers, averaging 17.3 ppg in the previous three outings. These are the kinds of games where players can go off, so the Tigers need to be particularly careful against them.
3. Take care of the ball
One of the strengths of Ole Miss is its ball pressure, ranking as one of the top teams in the country in forcing turnovers at over 16 a game. They’re very good at getting steals and taking advantage of guards who tend to give the ball up. Haggerty averages four turnovers per game, so that’s a concern for Memphis Basketball in this game.
If the Tigers can take care of the ball, that’ll go a long way in deciding who wins this game. So, in a way, all of the pressure will be on Haggerty to carry the team in this matchup.