The Memphis Tigers are seeking a much-needed victory against Southern Illinois (SIU) on November 26 at 7 p.m. CT at FedExForum. Currently, Memphis holds a record of 1-4, having endured four consecutive losses. This is their longest losing streak since January 2024. Point guard Dug McDaniel, who averages 14.8 points per game, believes a win against SIU could mark a turning point for the team.
Current State of Memphis Basketball
Despite a challenging start, the Tigers are optimistic. McDaniel has expressed the team’s intent to channel their recent struggles as motivation to perform against SIU. “If we’re all thinking alike, we’re going to use it as extra motivation,” he stated.
Key Players and Issues
One of the main concerns has been the performance of 7-foot-1 forward Aaron Bradshaw. Limited due to constant foul trouble, he has played only 55 minutes out of a possible 200 this season. In five games, he has contributed just 22 points and six rebounds, falling short of expectations for a former five-star recruit.
To provide context, in the same timeframe last season, another five-star recruit, Jordan Brown, scored 40 points and grabbed 21 rebounds. Memphis needs more consistency from Bradshaw as they look to turn their season around.
Turnover Troubles
In addition to individual performances, turnovers have become a significant issue. Ashton Hardaway committed five turnovers in each game during the Baha Mar Championship, while McDaniel leads the team with 17 turnovers to date. The Tigers must work on reducing these turnovers as they face a challenging schedule following the SIU game.
Tigers’ Roster Updates
The depth of the Memphis roster was tested during the recent tournament. While some players filled in admirably, they could benefit from a fully fit lineup. Thierno Sylla, who missed the trip to the Bahamas, is expected to return against SIU. Hasan Abdul Hakim may also be available after missing several games due to injury.
However, uncertainties linger regarding the availability of guards Curtis Givens III and Sincere Parker, who exited the recent game against Wake Forest with injuries.
Scouting the Southern Illinois Salukis
SIU currently holds a 3-3 record. Their victories have mainly come against teams ranked outside the KenPom top 200, while their losses were to higher-ranked teams. The Salukis have struggled with 3-point shooting, ranking among the lowest in the nation at 23.2%. Additionally, they do not generate many turnovers defensively, with only 12.3 turnovers forced per game.
Leading SIU in scoring is Quel’Ron House, who averages 18.1 points per game. The Aligbe brothers contribute significantly in rebounding, each averaging over five boards per game.
Predicting the Outcome
With an urgent need for a turnaround, we predict Memphis will secure a victory over SIU, with a projected final score of 79-72. This could be the catalyst for igniting their season. The Tigers are eager to harness their collective skills and drive toward a win.
