Memphis delivered a resounding 95-69 victory over Texas at San Antonio at the FedExForum, with Sincere Parker leading the charge. The Tigers' 26-point margin of victory exceeded the predicted 15-point spread, as they controlled the game from start to finish. Parker's 22 points set the tone for a dominant performance, with Dug McDaniel and Curtis Givens III also making significant contributions.
The first half saw Memphis establish a 10-point lead, with the Tigers taking a 43-33 advantage into the break. UTSA's Dorian Hayes kept his team within striking distance, scoring 17 points on the night, but the Roadrunners' defense struggled to contain Memphis' balanced attack. LJ Brown and Jamir Simpson joined Hayes in double figures, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Tigers' onslaught.
As the second half unfolded, Memphis continued to pull away, outscoring UTSA 52-36. The Tigers' offense clicked on all cylinders, with McDaniel notching 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Givens III added 14 points. Memphis' ability to share the ball and create scoring opportunities proved too much for the Roadrunners to handle.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction of a 15-point Memphis victory proved accurate, as the Tigers' performance aligns with their expected level of play. The convincing win is a reflection of Memphis' strength, particularly at home, where they have been tough to beat.
This result has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Memphis, the win represents a Quadrant 4 victory, which, although not particularly impressive, helps to bolster their overall record. The Tigers now sit at 9-8, with a net ranking of 107. While they still have work to do to secure a tournament spot, this win keeps them on track.
On the other hand, UTSA's loss drops them to 4-14, with a net ranking of 350. The Roadrunners' struggles continue, and this defeat, classified as a Quadrant 2 loss, won't hurt their resume significantly. However, with a long road ahead, UTSA must regroup and focus on upcoming conference games to try and turn their season around.
The significance of this win for Memphis lies in its ability to demonstrate the team's capability to take care of business against inferior opponents. As the season progresses, the Tigers will face tougher challenges, and their performance in those games will ultimately define their tournament chances. For now, they can build on this convincing victory, knowing they have the talent and depth to compete with the best teams in the country.