Memphis Basketball Faces UAB: Can They Overcome Road Struggles? Prediction

Memphis basketball faces a challenging match against UAB on February 5. The Tigers aim to improve their road record, standing at only one win this season. Currently, they hold a 10-11 record and a 5-4 standing in the American Conference.

UAB’s Home Struggles

The game will take place at Bartow Arena at 8 p.m. CT, broadcast live on ESPN2. UAB has shown inconsistency at home, with a 6-6 record. They have lost four consecutive games on their home court, with defeats to teams such as Wichita State and FAU.

Memphis Basketball Against Zone Defense

Memphis recently struggled against Tulane’s zone defense, achieving a 35.7% field goal percentage in that matchup. Head Coach Penny Hardaway acknowledged the difficulties the team faced. He anticipates encountering another zone defense from UAB, which varies from a 1-3-1 trap to a 1-2-2 formation.

UAB’s 3-Point Shooting Woes

UAB battles severe challenges in 3-point shooting. With a rate of just 28.6%, they rank near the bottom in Division I basketball. Ahmad Robinson is the top performer in this regard, making 32.3% of his attempts. Salim London follows with a 36.6% success rate on limited attempts.

Memphis’ Defensive Strength

On the flip side, Memphis boasts a strong 3-point defense. They allow only 30.5% shooting from beyond the arc, ranking 45th nationally. Notably, UAB prefers to score from inside, with 58.6% of their points coming from 2-point range.

UAB’s Offensive Overview

UAB averages 81.9 points per game, placing them third in the league. Their standout player, Chance Westry, leads with 14.9 points and 4.5 assists per game. The team has five players scoring in double figures, including KyeRon Lindsay-Martin and Daniel Rivera, who are also the leading rebounders.

Game Prediction

The prediction for the matchup is tight, with UAB favored to win 77-76 over Memphis. The zone defense poses a considerable threat to the Tigers, adding to the unpredictability of the game.