23. Memphis (8-2)
Recent history may have been unkind to Memphis but this year’s team is making up for missteps of the past. The Tigers had a fantastic showing at the Maui Invitational, highlighted by their overtime win over a UConn team that was #2 in the nation at the time. They’re certainly looking like the heavy favorite in the AAC from what we’ve seen but they’re also not free of those missteps.
Last Sunday was miserable for the Tigers, as they got outworked in an 85-72 home upset loss against Arkansas State. PJ Haggerty showed up with 29 points, but it was a rough showing for the rest of the offense against the Red Wolves. Fortunately, Memphis didn’t buckle under the pressure, responding with an impressive 87-82 overtime road win against Clemson on Saturday. Tyrese Hunter scored 23 points while Colby Rogers added 22 in another upset over a ranked opponent.
Inconsistency will be a problem and it won’t be shocking to see the Tigers drop a few games in league play in the coming months. The pieces in place have fantastic potential and we know that Haggerty can take over any game with his skills. The Tigers show up when it matters most but can’t afford those performances like they had last weekend. Three more chances to build this resume await before league play, starting this week at Virginia and against Mississippi State.