Cincinnati @ Memphis preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 2, 2019 ) Memphis 69, Cincinnati 71

Cincinnati's defense is starting to round into form just in time for an important American Athletic Conference matchup. The Bearcats visit No. 22 Memphis on Thursday seeking a third straight dominant defensive effort.

Cincinnati had lost four of six before posting back-to-back wins over the last week, thanks in large part to its work on the defensive end. The Bearcats gave up 44 points in a 31-point rout of Tulsa and then followed up that effort by yielding 54 points in a crisp win against Central Florida. "They're a good defensive team," Knights coach Johnny Dawkins said afterward. "They're long, they're very active, so give them credit for that." Memphis, meanwhile, avoided a third straight loss by defeating South Florida its last time out, rallying from a 14-point deficit to post a much-needed win.

TIME: 7 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN

ABOUT CINCINNATI (10-6, 3-1 American): The Bearcats rode Tre Scott's 14 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and four assists past UCF, while Keith Williams chipped in 16 points and six boards. Scott has scored double-digit points in three of his last four games after doing so just three times in his previous eight games. Leading scorer Chris Vogt (13.5 points) had 13 versus UCF and has registered at least 10 points in every game since the season opener.

ABOUT MEMPHIS (13-3, 2-1): Following losses to Georgia and Wichita State, Memphis more closely resembled the team that previously had won 10 games in a row as it shot nearly 55 percent from the field and outrebounded the Bulls 35-24. "We want to be great by March. ... We did go on a 10-game streak, and I was very proud of that. Then we lost two back-to-back," coach Penny Hardaway said. "We want to be great by the time March comes, get into the (NCAA) Tournament and make some noise." Precious Achiuwa recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds against USF for his fifth straight double-double and ninth of the season.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Achiuwa has shot at least 70 percent from the floor in four of his last six games.

2. Memphis G Tyler Harris set a season high with 17 points against Wichita State and then matched that total against USF.

3. Cincinnati won both meetings between the teams last season.

PREDICTION: Memphis 72, Cincinnati 70