UConn vs Memphis AAC Tournament LIVE Stream/Preview: Huskies Try to Complete Season Sweep of Tigers
ByThe UConn Huskies (21) and Memphis Tigers (19) are not playing to make the NCAA Tournament, but meet in the AAC quarterfinals to try and boost their seeding.
The fourth seed in the American Tournament, UConn looks to continue riding the AAC player of the year, senior guard Shabazz Napier, during their late-season push. Finally clear of any sanctions, coach Kevin Ollie has a chance to lead his seasoned squad deep into the postseason
CLICK HERE to watch the game live.
With the American Tournament being held in Memphis, Tenn., the Tigers, the tourney's fifth seed, are in their backyard. Memphis may be listed as the visitors, but it is no way a road game. The game is being held on the Tigers' home court, the FedEx Forum, where the team went 15-2. However, Memphis could not beat the Huskies in two meetings this season at either the Forum or in Storrs.
On his team's home floor, Napier dropped 34 on the Tigers Feb. 15; also registering five rebounds, four assists and four steals. At the Forum on Jan. 16, Napier only scored 17 points, but dished 10 assists.
UConn won seven of eight games before closing out their season by suffering an 81-48 drubbing on the road against Louisville, the AAC two seed.
"This is the worst we could ever play. But guess what? As bad as we've played, we can turn it around. So, I'm not giving up on this season," Ollie said after the loss to Louisville, according to ESPN. "This season is not over yet, but I told them if we play like this we have two games and then everybody can go to spring break."
Memphis is entering the postseason on a slightly rockier note, finishing their schedule losing three of their last seven. Leading scorer Joe Jackson lead the team with 15 in the second half to bring the Tigers back against SMU on their last game of the season.
"This win showed our growth as a team and showed we have a dangerous team," Jackson said, according to ESPN. "Seeing so many different defenses over the year has prepared us for the road ahead. I was frustrated at halftime and wanted to play better for myself, and my teammates. I had to turn on an extra gear and get the game going."
The winner of this game will go on to play the winner of the Cincinnati and UCF game.