Colorado State vs. Memphis March Madness Preview and Prediction
In the No. 12 vs. No. 5 matchup in the NCAA Tournament West Region, the Colorado State Rams face the Memphis Tigers in first-round action.
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How to Watch Colorado State vs. Memphis
When: 2:00 p.m. ET on Friday, March 21st
Where: Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington
Watch: TBS
Odds for Colorado State vs. Memphis
(odds current at time of publish)
Spread: Colorado State -3.5 (-102), Memphis +3.5 (-118)
Total: Over 144.5 (-110), Under 144.5 (-110)
DraftKings Betting Splits | Live College Basketball Odds | Colorado State vs. Memphis Matchup Page
Colorado State vs. Memphis Preview & Prediction
Colorado State secured their NCAA Tournament bid with an impressive run, winning the Mountain West Tournament and extending their winning streak to 10 games. The Rams have been dominating opponents, winning by an average margin of 16.9 points during this stretch. Their offensive prowess is evident, consistently scoring over 1.1 points per possession in recent games. Nique Clifford has been a standout performer, leading the team in points and assists while excelling in defensive rebounding.
The Rams’ efficiency is notable on both ends of the court, ranking in the top 50 for both 3-point and 2-point shooting percentages. Their ball movement is exceptional, and defensively, they hold their own with a top 50 ranking in adjusted defensive efficiency.
On the other side, Memphis, led by head coach Penny Hardaway, returns to the NCAA Tournament after a year’s absence. The Tigers have shown promise with notable non-conference wins over Missouri, UConn, and Michigan State. Their ability to perform under pressure is evident in their 11-1 record in close games decided by six or fewer points.
However, Memphis has some glaring weaknesses, including a high turnover rate that ranks in the 300s for turnover percentage. While they excel in 3-point shooting, ranking in the top 20 nationally, they don’t take as many shots from beyond the arc as other teams. Their defensive rebounding is solid, but they struggle with securing their own rebounds.
As a 5-seed facing the red-hot Colorado State, Memphis finds themselves in an underdog position. The AAC champions will need to address their turnover issues and focus on their strengths to avoid a quick exit from the tournament. This matchup between Colorado State’s momentum and Memphis’s potential sets the stage for an intriguing first-round contest.
Estimated Score: Colorado State 74, Memphis 71
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