Memphis Tigers (14-2) vs. Wichita State Shockers (8-7)
January 14, 2024 1:00 pm EDT
The Line: Wichita State Shockers +6.5; Over/Under: 151
(Get latest betting odds)
The Memphis Tigers and the Wichita State Shockers meet Sunday in college basketball action from Charles Koch Arena. Memphis is currently riding a nine-game win streak at 14-2 overall. The Tigers beat UTSA in their last matchup. As for Wichita State, they’ve lost four straight at 8-7, most recently falling to Temple. Let’s get into our Memphis vs. Wichita State prediction. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Memphis Tigers
The Tigers only lost two of their first seven games this year (opening with a five-game win streak), dropping to Villanova and Ole Miss in that time. Memphis is on a nine-game win streak right now, beating VCU, Texas A&M, Clemson, Virginia, Vanderbilt, Austin Peay, Tulsa, SMU and UTSA along the way.
Back on Wednesday versus UTSA, the Tigers trailed 37-35 at the break but rallied to force overtime. Memphis hit a 13-7 run from there and took the win 107-101. Leading team scorer David Jones doubled on 26 points and 11 boards, as did Nick Jourdain with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Wichita State Shockers
Over on the Shockers’ side, they managed a nice 7-1 start with a lone loss to Liberty mixed in. Wichita State has since gone just 1-6 however, losing to Missouri, South Dakota State, Kansas State, Kansas, North Texas and Temple with a lone win over Southern Illinois mixed in.
Last weekend versus Temple, the Shockers were outscored 36-27 in the first half. Wichita State got slightly better from there on a 34-32 edge but still lost 68-61. Kenny Pohto came off the bench to score 14 points with six rebounds; he was the only team player in double-figures. Wichita State will face FAU after this one.
ANDREW’S FREE MEMPHIS VS WICHITA STATE PREDICTION
I’m staying with Memphis. Probably not touching this one, though. The Tigers didn’t play their best ballgame against UTSA in their last outing, but still pulled off the victory. Memphis shot 53.2 percent from the field in that one, but missed 13 of their 43 free throws (69.8 percent) as well. That makes three straight games decided by six points or fewer, with two of those being decided by just three points each.
As for Wichita State, they’ve been below 70 points in each of the last six games—against some tough teams, to be fair. I could see the Shockers finishing in cover range here if they play well, but I’m still leaning toward Memphis in a good bounce-back effort.
