The Memphis basketball team, currently with a record of 4-5, is set to face the undefeated No. 12 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores (10-0) on December 17 at 6 p.m. CT. This matchup will be held at FedExForum, marking the second consecutive game for Memphis against a top-12 opponent.
Memphis Basketball’s Recent Struggles
Memphis experienced a difficult loss recently, falling to Louisville. Coach Penny Hardaway expressed disappointment with the team’s performance during the game. He noted that his players reverted to old habits when they fell behind, emphasizing the need for greater resilience in critical moments.
Challenges at the Rim
One of the significant issues for the Tigers has been their inability to finish at the rim effectively. Currently, 9.4% of their two-point field goal attempts have been blocked, placing them 177th nationally. In contrast, Vanderbilt boasts a strong defense, ranking 33rd in the country with an average of 5.0 blocks per game.
- Memphis layup success rate: 57.9%
- Vanderbilt block percentage: 14.8%
Aaron Bradshaw’s Emergence
Aaron Bradshaw is becoming a pivotal component for Memphis despite limited time on the court due to foul trouble. In a recent match against Louisville, he managed 8 points and 5 rebounds in just 19 minutes. He has shown improvement in performance, averaging 13 points and 5.3 rebounds over his past three games.
Vanderbilt’s Offensive Threat
The Commodores present a formidable challenge with a balanced offense led by Duke Miles, who averages 16.6 points per game. Their roster features eight players contributing at least 7.8 points per game, indicating depth and versatility.
- Tyler Nickel: 47.3% from three-point range (team-high 74 attempts)
- Overall 3-point shooting decrease: from 33.8 attempts in early games to 25.4 in recent matches
Memphis’ Strategy Against Vanderbilt
For Memphis to succeed, they must capitalize on their size advantage. The Tigers traditionally perform well against smaller teams. Vanderbilt ranks 258th in average height, with Jalen Washington being their tallest player at 6’10”.
Game Prediction
Given the current form of the Commodores, predictions lean towards Vanderbilt winning the game. The anticipated score is Vanderbilt 82, Memphis 75. Coach Hardaway and his team will need to put forth a strong effort to contest Vanderbilt’s offensive prowess and defensive strength.
