Memphis (20-4) at South Florida (12-12)
- When: Feb 13 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Yuengling Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN2
Game Preview
Memphis looks to maintain its dominance in the American Athletic Conference as they head to Tampa to take on South Florida. The Tigers will be aiming for their seventh straight win, while the Bulls hope to bounce back after a tough loss at home. With a key injury question mark for Memphis, let’s break down what to expect in this matchup.
Memphis Tigers: Looking to Keep Rolling
The Tigers (20-4, 10-1 AAC) are rolling through conference play, but they may have to continue their winning streak without starting guard Tyrese Hunter. Hunter missed his first game of the season last Sunday due to a knee injury, and his availability for this contest remains uncertain.
Fortunately, Memphis showed its depth against Temple, with Dante Harris stepping up in a big way. The former Virginia and Georgetown guard played a season-high 29 minutes, scoring 14 points on an efficient 6-for-8 shooting performance. With Harris proving to be a capable backup, coach Penny Hardaway remains confident heading into this matchup.
Memphis boasts the most efficient three-point shooting team in the nation, hitting 40.3% from beyond the arc. That marksmanship was on full display in their last two games, shooting a combined 17-for-40 (42.5%) from deep against Tulsa and Temple. Expect PJ Haggerty (21.6 PPG) and Dain Dainja (12.5 PPG) to carry the scoring load once again.
Memphis has had no issues covering the spread on the road this season, and their offensive firepower gives them the edge in this matchup. Even if Hunter sits out, the Tigers should control the tempo and push past a shaky South Florida defense.
South Florida Bulls: Can They Keep Up?
South Florida (12-12, 5-6 AAC) enters this game looking to bounce back after a disappointing 75-70 home loss to Wichita State. While the Bulls shot an impressive 52.2% from the field, they were completely outworked on the glass, getting outrebounded 42-22 and allowing 19 offensive boards that led to 24 second-chance points.
That rebounding struggle is concerning heading into a matchup against a Memphis team that thrives on second-chance opportunities. If USF can’t clean up their work on the boards, they’ll be in for a long night against the Tigers’ high-powered offense.
This game also carries extra emotion for South Florida following their 100-91 double-overtime win against Temple on Feb. 6, which came on the night the AAC honored former USF coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. The Bulls played inspired basketball in that victory, but they couldn’t sustain the momentum in their next outing.
Kobe Knox and his teammates will need to recapture that fire as they prepare to face Memphis for the first time this season. They’ll also remember what happened in their last trip to Memphis on Jan. 18, 2023, when the Bulls erased a 20-point second-half deficit to stun the Tigers 74-73.
However, history isn’t on USF’s side in this series—Memphis leads the all-time matchup 32-8, including a 15-3 advantage in Tampa.
Betting Prediction & Final Thoughts
Memphis has the offensive firepower to dictate the pace, especially if they continue their hot shooting from three.
South Florida’s rebounding woes could be a major problem, particularly against a Memphis team that capitalizes on second-chance opportunities.
Even without Tyrese Hunter, Memphis should control the game and secure another road victory.
Final Pick: Memphis -7
Lean: Over 152.0 (if Memphis controls the tempo)
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
