The Memphis Tigers will return to the NCAA Tournament as Conference USA champions, having defeated Southern Mississippi in a double overtime classic on Saturday afternoon. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about the Tigers:
1. They’re 30-4. That’s right, 30-4. Memphis hasn’t gotten much national attention this season, but the Tigers are rolling like Credence Clearwater. They’ve lost exactly once since December 15, and that was a 64-62 setback at Xavier. Memphis also went a perfect 19-0 against Conference USA opponents this season. They haven’t beaten many good teams, but they’ve beaten the teams on their schedule.
2. They’ve got some athletes. 6-5 D.J. Stephens plays like a power forward, but he can fly with the best of them in college hoops. He belongs in Lob City with the way he can finish plays around the rim.
3. Chris Crawford is cold-blooded. The junior guard took over at the end of the C-USA championship game, knocking down big shot after big shot and almost single-handedly sending Southern Miss home. If Memphis needs a late basket, he’s the man they’re going to look for.
4. They’ve got plenty of talent. This group, led by Crawford and point guard Joe Jackson along with Portland Trailblazers guard Will Barton, was ranked as the No. 1 recruiting class in the country when they came to Memphis three years ago. They haven’t lived up to those lofty expectations, but they’re still a dangerous bunch to contend with.
5. They like to share the sugar. Memphis ranks fifth in the nation in assists per game (17.2). They also rank 25th in points per game (75.4) and 16th in field goal percentage (.479). This is an efficient offensive team.
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NCAA Tournament Teams Five Facts Index
Kels Dayton is a freelance writer whose work has also appeared in SLAM Magazine. You can check out more of his work at RoundballDaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @RoundballDaily.