The Memphis Tigers look to close out the year with a win when they play host to the Charlotte 49ers.

Sitting at 7-5, the Tigers have been one of the big disappointments in college basketball this season. Memphis came into the season with high expectations and a lofty top 10 overall ranking. However, things quickly changed as the losses started to pile up and the Tigers saw themselves slip out of the top 25 rankings all together after their home loss to Murray State. Memphis has faced one of the tougher schedules in the nation, however their play has been far too inconsistent than head Coach Josh Pastner would like. Will Barton, who is the early front runner to take out CUSA player of the year honours, has been the standout for Memphis so far. Through the first month and a half of play, Barton is putting up 19.9 points per game, to go along with 8.8 rebounds, which is far and away better than the next best player on the roster.

After an impressive start to the season, Alan Major’s 49ers have really hit a wall in the last two weeks. Despite a relatively easily schedule, Charlotte opened the season winning seven of their first nine games, highlighted by a 23 point home win over local rivals Davidson. However, Major knew his 49ers would get their real test coming into the New Year when they had to face three BCS opponents in a row. So far, Charlotte has failed miserably on both occasions. Against Miami, the 49ers were totally outmatched in a 76-61 home loss, which was their worst defeat of the season. In their last outing at Arkansas on Wednesday, it was much of the same the Razorbacks were again just too strong, running away with an 80-76 victory.

The Tigers are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, but just 7-22-1 ATS in their last 30 non-conference games and 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall. The 49ers on the other hand are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games, but just 17-35 ATS in their last 52 games following a S.U. loss

The 49ers have really struggled with the more athletic teams in their last two games, which is bad new considering that Memphis will be the most athletic team they will have faced this season. The Tigers might not be what everyone expected, but they still are a very good team that is tough to beat at home. Memphis runs away with this one….

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