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Game Preview, Scouting Report, and Score Prediction: Memphis vs. Ohio

The Memphis Tigers are set to take on the Ohio Bobcats at FedEx Forum on November 15 in their third non-conference game of the 2024-2025 season. Coming off back-to-back comeback wins against Missouri and UNLV, the Tigers will look to continue winning against an Ohio team eager for a statement victory. Meanwhile, the Bobcats, currently 1-2 after a recent 85-75 loss to Illinois State, aim to regroup and find a rhythm with a mix of returning players and new transfers. This matchup allows both teams to refine their early-season play and build valuable resume points for potential postseason consideration.

Scouting Report: Ohio Bobcats

Ohio brings a balanced yet evolving roster to Memphis. While they face the challenge of replacing their departed backcourt leaders from last season, they have shown glimpses of offensive firepower and rank 77th in scoring nationally with an average of 78.3 points per game. Head coach Jeff Boals has assembled a team filled with experience, and several key players could impact this game.

Key Players to Watch:

A.J. Clayton (Forward)
Clayton’s size, versatility, and scoring ability make him one of Ohio’s primary offensive threats. As a capable scorer who can stretch the floor, Clayton has the potential to challenge Memphis’ defense, especially if paired with Ohio’s new big man, Victor Searls. Memphis must keep a close watch on Clayton, who can disrupt their interior play if left unchecked.

Shereef Mitchell (Guard)
Mitchell is an important part of Ohio’s backcourt and provides much-needed experience in guiding the offense. As one of Ohio’s leading scorers, he can drive to the basket effectively, set up teammates, and add pace to Ohio’s offense. Memphis will need to contain Mitchell’s penetration and limit his ability to orchestrate plays if they want to control the pace of the game.

Aidan Hardaway (Guard)
Hardaway has emerged as a consistent scoring option for the Bobcats. While not always their primary offensive focal point, Hardaway’s ability to find shots and capitalize on scoring opportunities makes him a valuable piece in Ohio’s lineup. If Memphis doesn’t maintain defensive discipline, Hardaway could be an X-factor, helping Ohio stay competitive throughout the matchup.

Victor Searls (Forward, Ashland Transfer)
The 6’9” Searls provides Ohio with a strong interior presence, bringing rebounding and efficient scoring from his time at Ashland. His physicality and experience will be critical, especially against a Memphis team that has shown vulnerability in stretches. If Searls can adapt quickly to Memphis’ defensive schemes, his presence in the frontcourt could open up additional offensive options for Ohio.

Game Preview

For Memphis, a key focus in this game will be the health and endurance of their starting five. With key players like Coby Rogers and PJ Haggerty logging heavy minutes in the first two games, head coach Penny Hardaway must manage rotations carefully to avoid early-season wear and tear. Rogers and Haggerty are expected to play despite recent injuries that kept them out of practice this week. However, their fitness will be closely monitored, making this an ideal game for Memphis’ bench players to step up and relieve some pressure.

In their first two games, Memphis has demonstrated strong second-half rallies, but the Tigers must start faster and establish a rhythm early to avoid playing from behind. Hardaway’s heavy reliance on his starting backcourt has led to both success and vulnerability, with injuries beginning to show the effects of extended play. The depth of Memphis’ roster will need to assert itself against Ohio to maintain tempo without exhausting primary scorers.

Meanwhile, Ohio will exploit Memphis’ fatigue by setting a steady pace and leveraging their offensive firepower. If the Bobcats capitalize on Memphis’ occasional lapses, especially in the first half, they could challenge the Tigers and force them into another tough comeback situation.

Key Areas to Watch:

Starting Five Efficiency: Memphis will need a solid contribution from their starters, but the support they get from the bench is equally important. Rotational players must ensure that Rogers, Haggerty, and Tyrese Hunter can play at peak efficiency.

Defense on Clayton and Mitchell: Memphis’ ability to contain Ohio’s top scorers, A.J. Clayton and Shereef Mitchell, will be crucial. If the Tigers’ defense can shut down these primary threats, it could limit Ohio’s scoring options and put Memphis in a favorable position.

Turnovers and Transition: Memphis has shown moments of inconsistency in handling the ball in the early season. Limiting turnovers and converting on transition opportunities will help them maintain control and keep Ohio on the back foot.

Score Prediction

Memphis has the depth, talent, and home-court advantage to secure their third win of the season, but they’ll need to manage fatigue and capitalize on the opportunity to involve their bench. Expect Memphis to use its depth effectively and close the game with a balanced attack.

Prediction: Memphis wins 89-78

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