The No. 5 Memphis Tigers limp into the NCAA Tournament with injuries in the backcourt threatening their chances of advancing past No. 12 Colorado State in the Round of 64.
With guards Tyrese Hunter and Dante Harris running the risk of missing Friday’s tournament opener in Seattle, the Tigers turn to standout PJ Haggerty to carry them past the Rams.
I expect an extra effort from Haggerty, making him the focus of my best March Madness picks and for Memphis vs. Colorado State predictions on Friday, March 21.
Who will win Colorado State vs Memphis?
Colorado State is a slight favorite and game models almost exclusively give the Rams the go-ahead to the Round of 32. I also have CSU moving ahead in my March Madness bracket.
Colorado State vs Memphis prediction
My best bet: PJ Haggerty Over 20.5 points (-120 at bet365)
The status of Tyrese Hunter has a big impact on PJ Haggerty’s potential points on Friday. He injured his foot in the ACC tournament and missed Memphis’ win in the final.
With Hunter playing his usual minutes, Haggerty’s player projections range from 18.9 to 21.5 points. But if Hunter is out or even limited, that forecast erupts.
Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway alluded to the status of Hunter (and backup point guard Dante Harris), telling reporters that he’s, “praying for good ankles, good feet, good knees and everything right now.”
“Dante is progressing. Tyrese is coming along slower,” Hardaway told the media. “Don’t know about Friday—if (either) is gonna be able to play. But Dante is ahead of Tyrese on coming back.”
Even before weighing the Tigers’ possible lineup versus the Colorado State Rams, this matchup sets up well for Haggerty. The Rams can be sloppy with the basketball at times (allowing 12.3 POTOVs) and got dangerously careless down the home stretch, with a turnover rate of 18% in the final 10 contests.
Memphis is especially good at creating chaos, averaging 7.8 steals and forcing 13.7 turnovers an outing. That leads to points off those errors and fastbreaks in transition. The Tigers score 18.1 POTOVs (7th most) and 14.1 fastbreak points (13th), with Haggerty ranked second in the country in FBPTS (5.0 ppg).
Haggerty averages 21.8 points on the season and has put up 20 or more in 20 of his last 26 games, going back to January 5. He scored 23 points in the AAC Championship Game and dropped 42 points on Wichita State in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament.
If you take Hunter out of the Tigers lineup entirely, Haggerty’s scoring projections jump, ranging from 23.1 to 25.4 points against Colorado State. Knowing there’s good chance he’s going to get extra touches, I like the Over 20.5 points from the sensational sophomore.
Colorado State vs Memphis same-game parlay (SGP)
PJ Haggerty 20+ points
Nique Clifford 20+ points
Colorado State Moneyline
PJ Haggerty could score 20-plus with or without Hunter in the Tigers lineup.
Nique Clifford counters on offense for Colorado State, projected for a ceiling of 21 points.
The Rams have played plenty of quality foes, both non-conference and in the MWC. Game models call Colorado State a winner.
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Colorado State vs Memphis odds
Colorado State vs Memphis live odds
Colorado State vs Memphis opening odds
- Spread: Colorado State -1.5 (-110) | Memphis +1.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Colorado State -125 | Memphis +105
- Over/Under: Over 147.5 (-110) | Under 147.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Colorado State vs Memphis betting trend to know
Colorado State has won outright for moneyline bettors in 26 of its last 35 games (+16.75 Units/9% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Colorado State vs. Memphis.
How to watch Colorado State vs Memphis
| Region | West |
| Location | Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA |
| Date | Friday, 3-21-2025 |
| Tip-off | 2:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TBS |
Colorado State vs Memphis key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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