Memphis Basketball: Will the Tigers Halt a Four-Game Slide with a Win Over Wichita State?
Memphis Basketball enters tonight's matchup against Wichita State mired in a four-game slide and sitting at 12-15 with four regular-season games remaining. The latest outlook puts defense at the center of any turnaround, with a low-scoring, physical game expected inside FedExForum.
Memphis Basketball must tighten defense to change momentum
The narrative for the Tigers is straightforward: stop the bleeding by improving defense. The matchup is set up as a defensive grinder — both teams rank inside the Top 70 in defensive rating in current evaluations — and slowing pace will benefit the home team if Memphis can protect the paint and limit fast break opportunities. Recent coverage highlights that Memphis gives up too many rebounds, particularly offensive boards, a vulnerability Wichita State is positioned to exploit.
Key roster notes for Memphis include a watch on the game-time status of Aaron Bradshaw, listed GTD. Julius Thedford has been one of the few consistent scoring options, posting 11 or more points in five of the last seven games while shooting nearly 56% on the floor. Karon Boyd is expected to factor on the glass; he averages almost six rebounds and projections call for six or more boards in this matchup.
Wichita State matchup, betting trends and prediction
This meeting shapes up as a contrast in styles. Wichita State runs in a considerably lower gear than Memphis and specializes in limiting transition attempts and fast break points. When these styles collide, models suggest points will be at a premium. The two teams met in late January, when Wichita State won 74-59 — a game that finished well below the closing total that night.
Market movement has been notable: most game models project the final tally around 141 points or lower. The current recommended market play in recent previews is the under 147, shown at a listed price of -116, driven by pace suppression and defensive strengths on both ends. Home history between the programs also favors lower scores, with Memphis 2-5 Over/Under in the last seven meetings with Wichita State at home.
Practical implications: if Memphis can protect the paint, control the defensive glass and keep Wichita State out of transition, the Tigers will have a path to snap the losing streak. Conversely, continued struggles on the boards and a short-handed frontcourt would make it difficult for Memphis to impose its usual scoring tempo.
What to watch and final take
- Bradshaw’s GTD designation: his availability will affect interior defense and rebounding matchups.
- Rebounding battle: Karon Boyd projects as a rebound factor; Memphis must limit Wichita State second-chance points.
- Scoring consistency: Julius Thedford’s recent form is one of Memphis’ more reliable scoring avenues.
Prediction: expect a low-event, defense-first game with the total trending below the posted lines in many models. If Memphis can shore up rebounding and sustain interior defense, the Tigers have the best chance to halt the slide. If those issues persist, Wichita State’s style will keep scoring low and hand the Shockers another road victory at FedExForum.
Note: roster statuses and market odds are subject to change ahead of tipoff; monitor game-day updates for final lineups and availability.
