UConn vs. Memphis Preview

Stanley Robinson, Hasheem Thabeet look to contest Derrick Rose and Memphis in a losing effort from the 2007-2008 Season

UConn basketball returns tonight from a 5-day rest to take on the #17 Memphis Tigers at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN at 7:00 PM on ESPN. In the first of (possibly) many conference meetings between the two teams, Memphis comes in off one of their best weeks of the year with a 73-67 victory over #12 Louisville in the KFC Yum! Center and a 10 point come-from-behind win over a reeling Temple team, led by Forward Shaq Goodwin for a combined 39 points and 19 rebounds. UConn had a fine week of their own, too, with home victories over Harvard and UCF.

Last Meeting
In the one and only meeting in the history of these two storied programs, Memphis bested UConn 81-70 in the 2k Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden. Memphis, #3 in the country and eventual NCAA Runner-ups, were led by Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts in what was a roller coaster ride of a game. The Huskies went down 18-3 early, but showed resilience as they took a 41-40 halftime lead. The Tigers then simply outlasted the Huskies behind CDR's 28 and Rose's 24. It was an incredibly entertaining game, as expected by teams coached by Jim Calhoun and John Calipari. 

 Key Matchup
Joe Jackson vs. Shabazz Napier- These two players honestly seem like they have been on their respective teams for about 8 years (Drew Neitzel-style). The two point guards are 2 of the best seniors in the country- Both incredibly quick, high volume scorers that are unquestionably the teams' leaders. At nearly an identical stature (Jackson: 6-1, 174 lbs, Napier: 6-1, 180 lbs), both guards have an incredible ability to get into the paint and finish the basketball. Over the course of the game, it is likely that Ryan Boatright will have his turn on Jackson as a very capable defender with his own quickness, while Michael Dixon Jr., the strong Missouri transfer, will spend some time matching up with Napier. But the outcome of this game may certainly be determined by whichever senior guard has the better game.

What To Watch For
Amida Brimah's effectiveness- Amida Brimah is coming off a career day full of smiles and fist pumps as he put up 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks (and countless altered shots) in 20 minutes against UCF on Saturday. I believe he has the ability to have a similar impact in this game, as well. Memphis's front court is similar to UCF's in stature, with no starter taller than Shaq Goodwin's 6-9 (though they are significantly more talented). Brimah has shown when he avoids foul trouble, which may be a challenge against the young but very talented duo of Shaq Goodwin and Austin Nichols, UConn is at their best (+37 against UCF!!!!). If he can stay on the floor, there's no question UConn has a shot at the upset. 
The 3 Point-Line- On paper, this is UConn's most clear and significant edge over the Tigers. UConn is 8th in the country in 3 point shooting percentage at 41%, while the Tigers are shooting 29%, good for 326th in the nation (out 351). Obviously, UConn's major weakness is rebounding and Memphis will be able to exploit that with a deeper and more physical front line, but if the Huskies can hit their threes, that will take a lot more pressure off rebounding on the offensive end.  

 

Shaq Goodwin's hair- Lets hope he doesn't mop up rebounds the way his hair could mop the floor. 


Prediction
In the first game of the toughest two game stretch in the regular season, I believe UConn is capable of coming out of it 2-0, beginning with an upset of the #17 Memphis Tigers. In a conference where marquee wins aren't all that common, a road win against a really good Memphis team can pay dividends to our NCAA tournament hopes. I believe Brimah will put in extremely efficient minutes once again and Phil Nolan will continue to play with a fire we haven't really seen before to contain Memphis's front court while Shabazz and co. will outlast the stable of experienced Memphis guards. Give me a Napier step-back, FTW.

72-70, UConn