The No. 19 Memphis Tigers were in the driver's seat with an undefeated American Athletic Conference record until a two-game losing skid sent the Tigers to the middle of the pack on the AAC leaderboard.
Memphis heads to Birmingham for the chance to end their two-game losing skid, but standing in their way is a UAB Blazers program with a six-game winning streak at Barstow Arena and a matching 4-2 conference mark.
Who will win the Bartow Classic? Join me as I look closer at the college basketball odds with free college basketball picks for Memphis vs. UAB on Sunday, January 28.
Memphis vs UAB best odds
Memphis vs UAB picks and predictions
Memphis Tigers coach Penny Hardaway isn’t a happy camper and has made it clear through the Memphis media that he was not too pleased with the Tigers' effort on defense or their chemistry in their most recent two-game losing streak.
Hardaway’s unhappiness is understandable; Memphis has suffered consecutive losses for the second time this season. Blown leads, poor defensive effort due to chemistry issues, and some injuries have combined to make Hardaway miserable, leading Memphis to a fall from No. 10 to No. 19 in the rankings and a 4-2 record in a tough AAC conference.
Memphis had better be ready as they head to an extremely hostile environment against a longtime rival riding a six-game home winning streak with an 8-3 record at home when they meet the UAB Blazers.
The Blazers are the best offensive-rebounding side in the AAC, but their defense is a step below Memphis, and UAB has turnover issues. Their offense is fueled by the 15.7 points they score from turnovers, and the charity stripe is where they excel because they don’t make shots consistently from anywhere else.
If the Tigers come ready to play, they shouldn’t have any trouble beating UAB, but that will depend on their defense. Memphis will have an edge in most offensive categories, but we should expect the Tigers to put up a better effort on the defensive end of the floor than what they’ve displayed over the last week or so.
The Memphis defense should get a boost if center Jordan Brown does indeed suit up. He’s missed all but four games this season with an unspecified illness, but he is a tough rebounder. He can score, but Brown altering shots in the paint is what Memphis needs and will also help keep the outstanding Blazers' offensive rebounders off of the glass.
The Tigers need a victory, and we should expect Memphis to focus their attention on the defensive end. They’ve had a week to work on their defensive chemistry issues, and their injured players are starting to get healthy. The Under has been the soundtrack for both programs' recent individual five-game histories, and I believe this matchup ends Under the total.
My best bet: Under 159.5 (-106 at FanDuel)
Memphis vs UAB same-game parlay
Under 159.5
Memphis moneyline
This same-game parlay card with my best bet pays $175 for a $100 stake.
Memphis will likely win this game, but they are hard to trust spread-wise. They are 2-8-0 ATS over their last 10, but 10-2 straight-up over their past dozen tilts.
UAB is also hard to trust to cover. They might be undefeated at home over their last six matchups, but they are 4-5-1 ATS at Bartow Arena. It’s why I am going with Memphis straight-up and eating some juice to do so.
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Memphis vs UAB spread and Over/Under analysis
I may sound like a broken record, but it bears repeating that trusting these programs to cover the spread is difficult.
Memphis was on the board as the favorite in each of their last 10, and they went 2-8-0 ATS. Blowing big leads, showboating on offense, and playing turnstile defense has been the theme of the Tigers' recent woes. That’s why laying points with Memphis is hard to do.
I do like Memphis to win this game though. UAB has struggled against Top 100 KenPom teams, and the Tigers are 5-2 straight-up as the away side. Memphis has won nine of their past 10 meetings with UAB, and they should come out of Bartow Arena with a much-needed victory.
The juice is the problem with taking Memphis on the moneyline as a side bet. FanDuel has the best price available (-192), but you’re paying odds of -200 or worse for a Memphis moneyline wager everywhere else.
I don’t have any confidence in UAB pulling off the upset. The bookmakers must give us better than the +175 best price BetRivers offers to even consider the Blazers moneyline.
Memphis vs UAB betting trend to know
The Under is 4-0-1 in the Tigers' last five games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Find more college basketball betting trends for Memphis vs UAB.
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Memphis vs UAB game info
| Location: | Bartow Arena, Birmingham, AL |
| Date: | Sunday, January 28, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 5:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Memphis vs UAB key injuries
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