Memphis Tigers Eye Third Consecutive Ranked Victory in Showdown with No. 22 Virginia

Memphis Tigers, buoyed by their recent ascent into the AP Top 25, are gearing up for a significant challenge as they host No. 22 Virginia at the FedEx Forum. This matchup, brimming with anticipation, marks the first time these teams have faced each other since the 2014 NCAA tournament, where Virginia triumphed in the second round.

Memphis, currently ranked No. 23, is riding high on momentum following their most significant victory of the season against a then-No. 13 ranked Clemson. A key figure in this high-stakes game is Memphis' standout 6'6" guard David Jones, who has been exceptional this season, averaging an impressive 20 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. His performance has been a cornerstone of Memphis's success and poses a substantial challenge for Virginia's defense.

Virginia, known for their defensive prowess, will rely heavily on guard Reece Beekman, a defensive stalwart averaging 2.7 steals and leading the team with 12.5 points per game. Another vital component of Virginia's defense is their other starting guard, Ryan Dunn, who is not far behind Beekman in terms of defensive stats, averaging 2.3 steals and 2.5 blocks per game.

Memphis' elite backcourt, featuring Jones and Jahvon Quinerly, is set to be a focal point in this matchup. Quinerly, Memphis' starting point guard, recently showcased his talent with a 17-point and 6-assist performance against Clemson. The Tigers' ability to control the game's pace and excel in transition plays could be the determining factor in this contest, especially considering Virginia's ranking near the bottom in terms of pace nationally.

Virginia's recent narrow victory over Northeastern, a 56-54 win last Saturday, suggests potential vulnerabilities that Memphis could exploit. The Tigers, with their home-court advantage and high-octane offense, are poised to challenge Virginia's disciplined defense.

This eagerly anticipated game, scheduled for 7pm EST, promises to be a riveting contest of contrasting styles and strategies. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN2 or stream it via the ESPN app, ensuring a nationwide audience for this pivotal college basketball showdown.