The Memphis Tigers host the South Florida Bulls on Friday night at FedExForum in the final regular-season game for both teams. Memphis (25-5, 15-2 AAC) has already secured the top seed in the AAC Tournament and will look to claim the outright regular-season conference title. South Florida (13-17, 6-11 AAC) is hoping to pull off an upset to gain momentum before the conference tournament.
Memphis won the first meeting between these teams on February 13, defeating South Florida 80-65 on the road. The Tigers had four players score in double figures, led by Dain Dainja’s 20 points. South Florida enters this game on a three-game losing streak, while Memphis has won four straight games and is looking to boost its NCAA Tournament resume.
South Florida Preview – Trying to End on a High Note
South Florida has had a tough season, struggling to find consistency in conference play. The Bulls have lost three straight games, including a 69-63 defeat to Florida Atlantic in their last outing. Despite their struggles, they have kept games competitive, with each of their last four losses coming by seven points or fewer.
Jamille Reynolds is South Florida’s top performer, averaging 12.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Jayden Reid (12.2 ppg) and Kobe Knox (10.7 ppg) provide additional scoring, but the team has struggled with efficiency. South Florida ranks near the bottom of the AAC in field goal percentage and three-point shooting.
The Bulls will need to improve their shooting if they want to keep up with Memphis. Defensively, they have been middle of the pack, allowing 73.1 points per game. South Florida will likely need to slow down the tempo and control possessions to have a shot at the upset.
Memphis Preview – Looking to Secure the Title
Memphis has been the best team in the AAC all season and can officially claim the conference title with a win. The Tigers are riding a four-game winning streak, most recently defeating UTSA 75-70. Coach Penny Hardaway has praised the team’s chemistry and ability to grind out tough wins.
PJ Haggerty leads Memphis in scoring, averaging 21.3 points per game. Dain Dainja (13.5 ppg), Tyrese Hunter (14.0 ppg), and Colby Rogers (10.9 ppg) provide additional firepower, making the Tigers one of the most balanced offenses in the AAC. Memphis ranks among the top teams in the conference in field goal percentage and assists.
The Tigers’ defense has also been solid, holding opponents to 42.1% shooting. At home, Memphis has been dominant, posting a 12-2 record at FedExForum. With an NCAA Tournament bid already secured, they will look to close out the regular season with a statement win.
Betting Prediction
Memphis is a 13.5-point favorite at home, and they have been strong against AAC competition. The Tigers have won their last four games and have already beaten South Florida by 15 points on the road. With a chance to secure the outright conference title, Memphis should be fully motivated.
South Florida has been competitive in recent losses, but their offensive struggles make it tough to keep up with Memphis. The Tigers’ depth and home-court advantage should be too much for the Bulls to handle. Expect Memphis to control the game and cover the spread.
Pick: Memphis Tigers -13.5
