Memphis delivered a resounding 77-54 victory over UNC Charlotte at FedExForum, surpassing expectations with a 23-point margin of victory. The CHD Scout had predicted a Memphis win by 8.9 points, but the Tigers' dominant performance far exceeded that forecast. Led by Aaron Bradshaw's 16 points and 6 rebounds, Memphis controlled the game from start to finish, never trailing and building a 20-point lead by halftime.
Aaron Bradshaw's 16 Points Mark His 10th Double-Figure Scoring Performance of the Season
The first half was a masterclass in efficiency for Memphis, as they shot over 50% from the field and held UNC Charlotte to just 17 points. Julius Thedford and Sincere Parker joined Bradshaw in double figures, scoring 11 points each, and the trio's collective effort propelled Memphis to a 37-17 halftime advantage. UNC Charlotte's Arden Conyers tried to keep his team afloat, scoring 10 of his 14 points in the first half, but the 49ers' offense struggled to find rhythm against Memphis' stifling defense.
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In the second half, Memphis continued to assert its dominance, pushing the lead to as many as 28 points. UNC Charlotte managed to score 37 points in the period, but it was too little, too late, as Memphis had already built an insurmountable lead. Dezayne Mingo and Damoni Harrison provided some scoring punch for the 49ers, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. As the final buzzer sounded, Memphis had secured a 23-point victory, its largest margin of the season.
The win marks a significant Quad 3 victory for Memphis, which should bolster its NCAA Tournament resume. With a current net ranking of 106, the Tigers are still on the bubble, but this win helps to strengthen their case. For UNC Charlotte, the loss is a Quad 2 defeat, which may hurt its own tournament chances. The 49ers, currently ranked 155 in the net rankings, must regroup and refocus as they head into the final stretch of the season.
This result has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Memphis's convincing win demonstrates its ability to compete against quality opponents, while UNC Charlotte's struggles raise questions about its postseason viability. As the season enters its final weeks, both teams will be fighting for position in their respective conferences, and this game will be an important data point in their tournament resumes.