It will be a showdown between two tremendous defenses when the Memphis Tigers (17-5, 6-3 AAC) square off against the South Florida Bulls (10-12, 3-6 AAC) at FedExForum. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
South Florida Bulls at Memphis Tigers Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Tigers defeated the Temple Owls 79-65, while the Bulls beat the UCF Knights 64-48.
South Florida played a perfect game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.511 (above their season average of 0.226) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.6 (above their season average of 32.1). For those same stats, UCF was 0.196 and 34.3, respectively. Meanwhile, Memphis’ 0.440 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Temple, who had a mark of 0.238. The Tigers’ mark was above their season average of 0.260. Precious Achiuwa had a good outing for Memphis, putting up 13 points and 10 rebounds. South Florida was led by Laquincy Rideau, who finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and six steals.
In their first matchup this season, Achiuwa led the Tigers to a 68-64 victory. He recorded a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Tigers’ 29.2 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Bulls, who had a rate of 20.0.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this contest between two of the country’s top defenses. Memphis currently ranks third in defensive efficiency (86.5) and South Florida is 50th (93.6). It could also be a sloppy game for the Bulls’ offense, which ranks 337th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 22.8 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Tigers, which forces the 60th-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.0 percent).
South Florida vs. Memphis Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Memphis, ATS Winner – South Florida, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Memphis ranks 19th in rebounds per game (40.3) while South Florida ranks 234th (33.5).
- The Bulls rank 33rd in steals per game (8.2) while the Tigers rank 198th in steals allowed per game (8.1).
- South Florida ranks 197th in three pointers attempted per game (20.6) while Memphis ranks 233rd (19.3).
- The Tigers rank 57th in assists per game (14.5) while the Bulls rank 258th (10.0).
- Memphis ranks second in blocks per game (6.5) while South Florida ranks 188th (2.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tigers have been outscored by an average of 4.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Memphis has defeated opponents by an average of 10.1 points.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 55.2 points per game (7.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 55.8 points per game (5.3 below their season average).
