Memphis Tigers vs Tulane: Can Penny Hardaway's Squad Extend Their Streak?

In the competitive landscape of college basketball, few matchups carry the weight of a home conference game for the Memphis Tigers. As the American Athletic Conference (AAC) heats up, Penny Hardaway's team prepares to host the Tulane Green Wave on February 1 at FedExForum. With the Tigers holding a 10-10 overall record and 5-3 in conference play, this game represents a pivotal opportunity to build momentum. Our prediction? Memphis takes down Tulane in convincing fashion, extending their impressive home winning streak against AAC foes.

Memphis Tigers: Building Momentum Under Penny Hardaway

Penny Hardaway, the NBA legend turned head coach, has transformed Memphis basketball into a perennial contender since taking the reins in 2018. Known for his flashy playing days with the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns, Hardaway brings a high-energy style to the Tigers, emphasizing fast breaks, defensive intensity, and player development. This season, despite a middling 10-10 start, the Tigers have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly at home.

Memphis boasts an unbeaten streak of 18 consecutive home wins against conference opponents, a testament to the electric atmosphere at FedExForum. Their last home loss to an AAC team came on January 31, 2024, against Rice—a distant memory now. Hardaway's squad has won three straight against Tulane, including gritty victories that highlight their resilience. Key to their success has been a balanced attack: strong rebounding, quick transitions, and opportunistic scoring from the perimeter.

Recent Form and Standout Performances

The Tigers enter this matchup on a positive note, having navigated a tough non-conference schedule that included high-major tests. Their 5-3 AAC record places them squarely in the hunt for a top-four seed, crucial for postseason implications. Standout players like forward Jalen Duren and guard Tyler Harris have been instrumental, combining for double-digit scoring averages while providing lockdown defense. Duren's interior presence has been a game-changer, averaging 12 rebounds per game in conference play, helping Memphis control the boards against smaller lineups.

Offensively, the Tigers average 78 points per game at home, fueled by Hardaway's emphasis on three-point shooting. They've connected on 36% from beyond the arc in recent outings, a marked improvement from early-season struggles. Defensively, Memphis forces 15 turnovers per game, turning opponent mistakes into easy buckets—a strategy that could exploit Tulane's recent ball-handling woes.

Tulane Green Wave: Struggling to Find Rhythm

On the flip side, the Tulane Green Wave are in a tailspin, having dropped five straight games as of late January. With a 12-9 overall record and 3-5 in the AAC, the Greenies are fighting to stay above .500 in conference play. Their most notable win this season—a narrow three-point victory over FAU on January 4 in New Orleans—feels like ancient history amid their current skid.

Tulane's issues stem from inconsistent shooting and poor defensive rebounding. They allow opponents to score 82 points per game during the losing streak, often due to second-chance opportunities granted on the glass. Guard Kevin Cross has been a bright spot, leading the team with 16 points per game, but the supporting cast has faltered. The Wave's road record stands at a dismal 4-6, and facing Memphis's raucous home crowd will be a tall order.

Challenges on the Road Against Memphis

Historically, Tulane has given Memphis fits, handing the Tigers at least one loss in three of the past four seasons. However, the momentum has shifted decisively. Tulane's last win over Memphis came in 2023, but since then, the Tigers have dominated the series. The Green Wave's current form—marked by turnovers and cold shooting nights—plays right into Memphis's strengths. Expect Tulane to push the pace early, but fatigue and defensive lapses could doom them in the second half.

Head-to-Head History and Key Matchups

The rivalry between Memphis and Tulane dates back decades, but recent years have favored the Tigers. Over the last five meetings, Memphis holds a 4-1 edge, with average margins of victory around 10 points. At FedExForum, the Tigers are undefeated against the Wave since 2020, leveraging home-court advantage to perfection.

Key matchups to watch include Tulane's Cross versus Memphis's Harris in the backcourt. Harris's speed could neutralize Cross's scoring, while Duren's size will test Tulane's frontcourt depth. If Memphis limits Tulane's three-point attempts—a staple of the Wave's offense—they'll control the game's tempo. The broadcast on ESPN2 at 2 p.m. ET promises high drama, with betting odds heavily favoring the home team by 8.5 points.

Prediction and Strategic Analysis

Predicting this game is straightforward: Memphis wins, 82-68. The Tigers' home dominance, combined with Tulane's skid, tilts the scales heavily. Hardaway's preparation will focus on containing Tulane's guards and capitalizing on transition opportunities. If Memphis shoots above 40% from the field and wins the rebounding battle by 10, victory is all but assured.

Beyond the score, this game has broader implications. A win propels Memphis toward a 7-3 conference mark, strengthening their NCAA Tournament resume. Tulane, meanwhile, risks falling further behind in the AAC race, potentially eyeing the NIT at best. Hardaway's postgame comments will likely emphasize team growth, as the Tigers aim to peak in March.

What This Means for the AAC Landscape

The American Athletic Conference is a gauntlet this season, with powerhouses like UTSA and Charlotte vying for the top spot. Memphis's depth and home prowess position them as dark horses for the conference tournament title. A statement win over Tulane could spark a run, reminiscent of their 2023 Elite Eight appearance under Hardaway.

For fans, this matchup is more than a game—it's a celebration of Memphis basketball's resurgence. With Hardaway at the helm, the Tigers blend local pride with national aspirations, drawing sellout crowds to FedExForum. As the season progresses, expect Memphis to climb the rankings, one dominant performance at a time.

In conclusion, while Tulane fights to salvage their season, the Tigers are primed for success. Tune in on February 1 to see if our prediction holds true. Memphis basketball is back, and they're not slowing down.