Memphis Tigers Set for NCAA Tournament Showdown

News Summary

The Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team has secured a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament following a victory in the AAC Tournament. They will face the No. 12 seed Colorado State Rams on March 21, amid injury concerns for key players. Despite challenges, the Tigers have an impressive 29-5 record and are eyeing a successful run in March Madness. Will they overcome the odds against a tough Colorado State team? Fans are eager to find out!

Memphis Tigers Ready to Roar in NCAA Tournament!

Did you hear the exciting news coming from Memphis? The Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team, under the stellar guidance of coach Penny Hardaway, has earned themselves a shiny No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament! This fabulous achievement comes on the heels of a triumphant victory over UAB, where they clinched the AAC Tournament trophy with a convincing score of 84-72. Talk about a great way to wrap up the season, which now boasts an impressive 29-5 record!

Tipping Off Against Colorado State

As the anticipation builds, fans can mark their calendars for Friday, March 21, when the Tigers will step onto the court at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. It promises to be an electrifying showdown against the No. 12 seed Colorado State Rams, kicking off at 1 p.m. CT (11 a.m. PT). For those unable to attend, no worries—TBS will be broadcasting the action live!

An Unexpected Challenge Ahead

While standing proudly as a No. 5 seed, there’s a bit of a twist in the Tigers’ tale. They were initially projected to land as low as a No. 8 seed during the selection show. Adding a layer of intrigue, despite their higher seeding, the Tigers find themselves labeled as the underdogs against a formidable Colorado State team. These Rams have been on fire, winning 10 games in a row—including their three Mountain West tournament contests, securing their automatic NCAA bid.

Mountain West Success

Leading the charge for Colorado State is none other than Nique Clifford. He’s been a powerhouse this season, averaging 19 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, earning him a spot on the first-team All-Mountain West. Other players to watch include Jalen Lake who contributes 11.1 points per game, and Kyan Evans, who boasts a shooting percentage of 43.1% from beyond the arc while averaging 10.2 points per game. And let’s not overlook their defense! Ranked among the top 50 nationally for defensive efficiency by KenPom, Colorado State knows how to lock down opponents.

Injury Woes for Memphis

However, the Tigers are facing some difficulties of their own. They might be without two of their top point guards for the big game! Tyrese Hunter is recovering from a foot injury that left him in a walking boot and on crutches during the championship game. Meanwhile, Dante Harris has been sidelined since March 4 due to an ankle injury. Memphis fans are holding their breath as they await updates on their statuses.

As coach Hardaway looks to steer his team through this hump, he’s considering increasing minutes for guard Baraka Okojie to fill the gaps left by Hunter and Harris. Talk about navigating challenges under pressure!

Memphis Tigers’ Winning Streak

Despite these setbacks, the Memphis Tigers are on a roll, having secured eight consecutive victories leading into the NCAA tournament. Their non-conference wins against major teams like Michigan State, UConn, and Clemson showcase their resilience and capability on the court. With the regular-season and tournament titles of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) tucked under their belt, the Tigers seem poised for a thrilling postseason adventure.

The Classic 5-12 Upset Scenario

So, Tiger fans, get ready to rally for your team! The excitement is building as March Madness approaches, and Memphis is set to take the NCAA Tournament by storm!

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Additional Resources

• Commercial Appeal: Memphis Basketball vs. Colorado State March Madness Prediction
• Daily Memphian: Memphis Tigers Basketball at NCAA Tournament
• Coloradoan: Colorado State vs. Memphis March Madness Prediction
• Wikipedia: 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
• Commercial Appeal: Memphis Basketball AP Top 25 Rankings