19. Memphis Tigers - 10-3
As Coach Penny Hardaway has said before, the season's first two months are the most important for the program and their NCAA Tournament hopes. They’ve scheduled like it, taking on a ton of high-major competition. The reason why they’re back in the top 25 is the recent home win over Ole Miss, led by a season-high 28 points from Colby Rogers.
Memphis has other wins to this point, including Missouri, San Fran, Michigan State, Clemson, Virginia, and UConn. That’s the most Quad 1/2 wins of anyone to this point, which will make up for both the upset home loss to Arkansas State and the remaining lack of opportunities in AAC play.
The star of the Tigers is Tulsa transfer PJ Haggerty. He leads the team with 22 ppg, while former Texas guard Tyrese Hunter is putting up around 16 mpg. Centers Moussa Cisse and Dain Dainja have been 40 minutes of consistent production, with the team also getting minutes from former UVA guard Dante Harris.
The non-con slate for Memphis has been completed, and the goal going forward is to avoid too many losses in league play. But one of their toughest games left is actually coming up next, taking on Florida Atlantic on the road, followed by home battles with North Texas and East Carolina.