Memphis Tigers Clash with SMU Mustangs at FedExForum in Men's Basketball Showdown

As the Memphis Tigers prepare to host the SMU Mustangs at FedExForum, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a riveting Men's Basketball encounter. The upcoming game, scheduled for January 7th, is set against the backdrop of recent performances that suggest a thrilling contest is on the horizon.

The Tigers have been showing formidable form lately, as evidenced by their narrow victory over Vanderbilt Commodores on December 23rd. With a final score of 77-75, it was their defensive prowess that stood out; they racked up an impressive 10 steals and blocked five shots. This defensive tenacity will be crucial when facing the Mustangs.

Offensively, Memphis has displayed resilience and efficiency from the free-throw line. Their 74 percent success rate against Vanderbilt was a significant factor in their win. However, there's room for improvement from beyond the arc where they shot only 36 percent. The Tigers' ability to convert opportunities into points will be tested by SMU's defense.

The last time Memphis played at home before this upcoming match was against Virginia Cavaliers on December 20th – another close game that ended with a Tiger victory scoring exactly 77 points again but conceding only 54 points this time around. Their aggressive defense led to an outstanding performance with 15 steals and capitalizing heavily on turnovers by scoring an impressive 27 points off them.

One area where MEM could gain an edge is in fast-break situations; they've consistently outperformed opponents here and should look to exploit any lapses in SMU’s transition defense.

Looking back further into December reveals another tight contest between Memphis and Clemson Tigers on December 16th which ended in favor of MEM with a scoreline of 79-77. Their offensive rebounds were key as they managed to secure precious second-chance points totaling up to14 which could again play a pivotal role against SMU.

While much focus is rightly placed on MEM’s strategies and execution, it would be remiss not to consider the challenge posed by SMU Mustangs who will come into FedExForum aiming for an upset. The Mustangs have shown they can compete at high levels too but will need more than just grit if they are going up against this determined Memphis side.

In conclusion, while past performances do not guarantee future results, it seems clear that if Memphis can maintain their defensive intensity while improving three-point shooting accuracy and continue dominating fast breaks and second-chance opportunities – fans can expect them to emerge victorious once more come game night at FedExForum.

For those eager supporters wishing not miss any action from this enthralling matchup between University of Memphis Tigers versus Southern Methodist University Mustangs – mark your calendars for January7th at10:00 PM Eastern Time (9:00 PM local). You can catch all live broadcasts nationally via ESPN channel206 or join fellow fans within FedExForum itself located in vibrant downtown Memphis,TN.