The Memphis Tigers open the first round of the NCAA tournament Thursday afternoon in Portland, OR against the Boise State Broncos. Memphis finished the regular season on a tear winning six of the last seven games played before losing in the conference tournament championship to Houston. Memphis lost the conference championship 71-53 after shooting only 43.1% from the floor and 10% from beyond the arc, while turning the ball over 15 times leading to the loss.
Jalen Duren led all scorers for Memphis with 14 points and a team high 10 rebounds on six of eight shooting in 33 minutes on the floor. DeAndre Williams added in 10 points as the second Tiger in double figures and Lester Quinones chipped in seven points in 31 minutes.
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The Boise State Broncos come into the NCAA tournament running hot riding a three game win streak including a Mountain West championship title. The Boise State defense carried the Broncos to the conference championship as they held San Diego State to 35.1% from the floor and forced 10 turnovers to pick up the one point victory.
Offensively this season Boise State has three players averaging double figures led by Abu Kigab scoring 14.7 points per game on 50.6% shooting. Marcus Shaver Jr. is second on the team scoring 13.6 points and Emmanuel Akot chips in a a third best 10.7 points and adds a team leading 2.9 assists.
