Wichita State at Memphis 1/21/21 - College Basketball Picks & Predictions

The Wichita State Shockers will travel on the road to the FedexForum to take on the Memphis Tigers. Memphis finally got back into action for the first time since January 17th, they fell on the road to Tulsa 58-57 and dropped to 6-5 (2-2) on the year. Wichita State has won four of their last five and is coming off a 72-53 win over Tulsa to improve to 8-3 (4-1 conference) on the year. 

Memphis has had some real struggles offensively this season and comes in mustering just 70.7 points per game ranking 211th in scoring offense. However, in their last three games, they’ve scored just over 53 points per game and dropped two of three games. The Tigers are 47th in pace but shooting just 41.8% from the field.

Sophomore guard Landers Nolley had led the way in scoring with 13.3 points per game, he transferred in from Virginia Tech this season after an impressive season last year for the Hokies. He’s been one of few bright spots for the Tigers offense and improved his shooting percentage from last season shooting 39.2% from the field. Fellow sophomore D.J> Jeffries is second in rebounding with 6.2 and adding 11.1 points per game. 

Wichita State had a ton of adversity this offseason from a new coach to key losses in the transfer portal but has recovered well and is averaging 74.2 points per game ranking 133rd in scoring offense. The Shockers have struggled with efficiency and are shooting 40.9% from the field and 32.4% from beyond the arc, both ranking outside the top-200 in college basketball.

The Shockers have been forced to grow up quick and sophomore guard Tyson Etienne has answered that call thus far. He’s the only player averaging double-figures with 17.9 points on 38.8% shooting but is solid from three making 39.3% of this nearly 8 attempts from beyond the arc. Senior guard Alterique Gibler, a transfer from UConn, has provided some experience in the backcourt averaging 9.3 points and a team-high 3.6 assists per game. 

Memphis has relied on their defense for any semblance of success this season and is among the best defenses in the American conference this season. The Tigers are allowing 63.5 points per game ranking 43rd in the country in scoring defense and is 12th in KenPom adjusted defense. Wichita State comes in allowing 67.2 points per game ranking 102nd in the country in scoring defense with opposing teams shooting just 38.7% from the field.