New Orleans @ Memphis preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 21, 2017 ) New Orleans 52, Memphis 63

Tenth-ranked Memphis hopes for a sharper effort and a ninth straight victory as it prepares to host struggling New Orleans on Saturday afternoon in a final tuneup before American Athletic Conference play begins next week. The Tigers routed Jackson State 77-49 on Dec. 21, but turned the ball over 28 times - 18 in the first half - and shot 4-of-19 from 3-point range.

“Unforced turnovers, I mean, that comes along with giving (the players) the freedom to play basketball on the offensive end,” Memphis coach Penny Hardaway told reporters. “And to make the right decision for yourself or for a teammate. They were trying to be aggressive like we want. … Give Jackson State credit, because they turn people over across the country.” Hardaway's team is made up mostly of freshmen and sophomores and lost its best player (James Wiseman left school) while being without another key performer because of injury (Lester Quinones) for the last five games. “We were close in the Oregon game to being 11-0. ...,” Hardaway, whose team begins AAC play Monday against Tulane, told reporters. “That’s a great accomplishment for this team.” New Orleans comes in off two straight losses to start its Southland Conference schedule, including 87-79 at Sam Houston State on Dec. 21, and has yet to win a game against a Division I team (0-7) this season.

TV: 1:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2

ABOUT NEW ORLEANS (4-7): The Privateers rallied from 23 points down to within six in the second half before succumbing against Sam Houston State as senior guard Bryson Robinson led the way with 24 points. Robinson tops the team in scoring overall (16.1) and made 3-pointers (31) while junior guard Troy Green (13.5), who shoots 54.1 percent from inside the arc, is next after pouring in 20 against Sam Houston State. Versatile Damion Rosser (11.3 points, 3.7 assists) is out until at least late January with a foot injury, and fellow junior guard Lamont Berzat (3.1 points) scored a season-high 11 versus Sam Houston.

ABOUT MEMPHIS (10-1): Freshman forward Precious Achiuwa has taken the role as the go-to player most nights since the 7-1 Wiseman was suspended by the NCAA before leaving the team, averaging team highs of 13.9 points and 9.8 rebounds. “It’s just getting comfortable with the system,” Achiuwa told reporters. “I started slow the first couple of games (of the season), but I knew it would click eventually. The game is starting to slow down.” Freshman forward D.J. Jeffries averages 12 points and shoots 54.5 percent from the field while Quinones (10.3) could return soon from a hand injury.

TIP-INS

1. Memphis sophomore G Tyler Harris tops the team with 22 made 3-pointers and has connected on 39.3 percent from behind the arc.

2. New Orleans sophomore F Gerrale Gates contributes 9.5 points and a team-high 6.3 rebounds per contest.

3. Tigers sophomore G Alex Lomax averages 8.7 points on 58.2 percent shooting and leads the team in assists (4.5).

PREDICTION: Memphis 84, New Orleans 60