Rodney Bullock is doing a good job filling the huge void left by Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil. The junior has led the Friars to three blowout wins this season, while averaging 21 points per game on 51-percent shooting.
The team will need more help from him moving forward, as second and third options Emmit Holt (hamstring) and Ryan Fazekas (ankle) are both nursing injuries.
With those two probably ruled out or at least scheduled to play limited minutes, and the Friars facing their toughest test this season, it will be a given that Bullock will shoot more. That said, we may see another good performance from freshman Kalif Young, who showed some flash in his previous game, scoring 16 points and six rebounds. Look for Kyron Cartwright, the nation’s top assist man (9.3 apg) to give scoring opportunities to other role players as well.
Providence is only scoring 70.6 ppg, but they’re defense has been great, as it only allows 58 ppg and a low 41.5 field goal percentage.
The Friars have won five straight games as favorites, but are only 2-3 ATS.
The Tigers are doing what they’re supposed to do. They are undefeated through four games and have been beating opponents in convincing fashion, recording an average winning margin of 21.3 points.
With departures of several key players from last year, KJ Lawson is now being used more often, and has showcased his double-double tendencies really well. He joins his younger brother, Dedric, as Memphis’ new 1-2 punch. The Lawsons have finished with a double-double in the last three games.
The younger Lawson, however, is still the team’s clear-cut best player. The do-it-all forward can stuff the statsheet like nobody’s business, putting up 20.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game this season.
Well-loved head coach Tubby Smith’s arrival is proving to be big boost to the team. Along with the great start is a big improvement of various team stats, among the most notable are the increase in points (76.6 to 91.3), rebounds (40.5 to 48), assists (15 to 25.7) per game, as well shooting percentage (41 to 50.2).
The Tigers are 3-7 SU (4-6 ATS) in their last 10 games as underdogs.
