When the Wichita State Shockers (14-12, 7-7 AAC) traveled to Memphis in January, the Memphis Tigers (20-7, 10-4 AAC) won 88-78. This time, the Shockers get to host.
The visiting Tigers lost to #2 Houston on Sunday, the only team ahead of them in the conference standings. Memphis has their eyes set on March, currently sitting as one of the “Last Four Byes” in bracket projections. Continuing to win their conference games would go a long way in securing a spot in the Big Dance.
Wichita doesn’t find themselves in a position to go dancing right now, despite winning three of their last four. Curiously, the Shockers have struggled at home this season too, only winning seven of their 15 games on their home floor. A shot at revenge should be on their mind though, as they let Memphis pull away late in the first meeting.
This game should be a fun rematch between a team that can’t afford to lose and a team that would love to finish the season strong. Let’s see who will come out on top this time around.
Memphis vs. Wichita State Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Memphis | -2.0 (-110) | Over 147.5 (-110) | -140 |
| Wichita State | +2.0 (-110) | Under 147.5 (-110) | +120 |
Memphis vs. Wichita State Match Details
Fixture: Memphis Tigers @ Wichita State Shockers
Date and Time: Thursday, February 23, 2023, 7:00 p.m. EST
Venue: Charles Koch Arena
Memphis vs. Wichita State Key Stats
If Wichita State wants to win this time around, they’re going to need to play defense. Normally they hold opponents to 39.8% shooting, an excellent mark that’s 17th in the nation. However, Memphis shot 53.6% against them in the first game and hit 11 of their 21 three-pointers (52.4%).
Memphis’ offense is highly explosive though, averaging 79.9 points per game. As a team, they are shooting 48.2% from the floor which is 21st in the country. Although they were hot against Wichita in January, the Tigers typically shoot 33.7% from beyond the arc.
The Tigers’ defense is just as stout as the Shockers’, limiting foes to 40.3% shooting from the floor. That’s 25th in the nation. They’re better at stopping threes than Wichita State, holding opposing teams to 31.7% from deep. Memphis comes up with 9.0 steals per game and forces 15.6 turnovers per contest.
Wichita State’s offense is one of the worst in college basketball at hitting three balls. Their 29.7% clip from beyond the arc is 345th nationally. Overall, they shoot 43.8% from the floor and put up 70.0 points per game.
Memphis vs. Wichita State Betting Prediction
While this game should be closer, Memphis should come out on top again. Wichita State doesn’t elevate their play on their home floor, and the Tigers hold their ground on the road. Memphis is significantly more dangerous offensively, and their defense is just as tough to score on. Keeping their NCAA Tournament push alive, Memphis wins and beats the spread tonight.
