Almost a year ago these two teams faced off in a memorable matchup in the round of 64, that game in case you don’t remember, ended on a Nick Boyd game winning layup and set off FAUs magical final 4 run.
Now these two teams are facing off on Sunday in Memphis for the first of 2 games down this pivotal stretch of conference play, and another classic AAC battle can be expected.
FAU is coming off a solid victory over SMU, one in which the team was able to get off to a hot start, battle physically, and play a full 40 minutes. Vlad Goldin put up 21, his 3rd 20-point performance in 4 games, and Alijah Martin put up 20, building on a consistent streak of performances for him.
It was a crucial Q2 victory for FAU following the tough road loss to USF, but overall, FAU has won 10/12 and are now coming off one of their best performances of the season against a quality SMU team. This is a chance for FAU to continue to get to a point of playing their best brand of basketball, against a quality opponent, however it won’t be easy for a Memphis team looking to build their chemistry, in hopes of an AAC tourney run.
Memphis is currently coming off one of their best performances as of late, defeating AAC leader Charlotte 76-52 in a game which really displayed this Tigers team’s true potential. They were able to handle a difficult 49ers team, with one of their best players having an off night, in David Jones who only scored 10 points. Nae’Qwan Tomlin put up 16 and Jahvon Quinnerly put up 17 and the overall depth of this team was on Full display in the wire-to-wire victory.
The overall talent on this team is unquestionable, however off the court issues and Injuries have plagued this team and as of recently the off the court issues have hurt them once again. On Friday evening a report came out that Memphis Big Man Malcom Dandrige was suspended indefinitely due to an investigation of Academic Fraud. Dandridge was averaging 8.0 points per game and 5 rebounds for the Tigers, and his suspension will thrust former departed big man Jordan Brown into a much bigger role. Although the Tigers are a very lengthy team, outside of Brown, their big-man depth could be lacking and could open the door for more offensive success for the red-hot Vlad Goldin.
Tomlin, Nick Jourdain, and Ashton Hardaway provide tough matchups at the forward position, however SMU had similar style athletes and FAU, specifically Goldin and Rosado were able to hold their own. Now down Dandridge, this looks to be another game where FAU could look to grab an advantage in the paint, which would go a long way in helping the Owls come out on top. Memphis allows an offensive rebound on 33.1% of possessions, which is 327th in the country per Ken Pom. That is an area where the Owls could look to capitalize and create extra possessions, something which they were able to do effectively in the previous game against SMU.
Outside of winning the paint battle, FAU will be looking to slow down the offensive production of David Jones, who has been one of the nation’s leading scorers, averaging 21.6 points per game. Charlotte was able to shut down the passing lanes and forced him to get the ball in uncomfortable positions and that is exactly what FAU will be looking to do. The Owls were able to hold SMU to only 5 assists, and a defensive performance like that will go a long way in helping the Owls slow down Jones.
If they are unable to slow him down, they will need to match his offensive production, and luckily for Owls fans Johnell Davis has been a consistent source of offense all year, averaging 18.8 points per game, and Martin and Goldin are both beating up over their past few games. Martin has been averaging 17.6 PPG over his past 3 games, while Goldin has been averaging 19 over his past 4.
One of the reasons FAU was so successful during their March Madness run last year, was their ability to get scoring from different places. At times this year, it has been Johnell scoring consistently, with others not providing that same consistent level of offense. That is beginning to change, and sooner than later this Owls team could be back flourishing in ways similar to last year’s run.
FAU will be looking to slow down Jones and limit Jahvon Quinnerly, and that will start with disrupting the Tigers offense and jumping in the passing lanes. Offensively, another hot start and looking to find a hot hand, would help the Owls establish themselves in what may be a raucous road environment in Memphis.
Memphis will be looking to out-physical FAU down low, using their athletic forwards to try to gain any kind of advantage in the paint they can. Jones will be a threat as usual and will be looking to get to his spots early in hopes of a big game performance against FAU.
Oddsmakers currently slot FAU as 2-point favorites over the Tigers, while Ken Pom is predicting a 2-point Owls victory, 81-79. This game will be nationally televised on ESPN, and tips-off at 2PM EST/1PM CST.
