With both teams coming off blowout losses, Memphis and Charlotte will each be looking to get back on track when they face off at 8:30 tonight at Halton Arena.
Memphis (20-5, 10-1 in Conference USA) heads into Charlotte trying to erase from its mind the memory of an ugly 64-46 loss to Alabama-Birmingham last week.
The Tigers’ 46 points marked their lowest output of the season and was 37 points below their season average. Tonight, Memphis will be looking for an added scoring punch from guards Dajuan Wagner and Scooter McFadgon.
McFadgon’s scoring average has dipped to 6.8 points per game over the last five games, including just two points against Louisville.
Wagner, meanwhile, has averaged 22.6 points over the same span, an improvement on his season scoring average of 21 per game.
With nagging injuries to Memphis’ big men, more physical play may be needed from juniors Earl Barron and Chris Massie.
Massie has increased his production in the last three games on the boards, pulling down 12 rebounds per game while scoring 14.6 points per contest.
Charlotte (14-8, 8-3 in C-USA), which is 4-1 at home this season in conference play, is coming off two devastating losses to Cincinnati and Saint Louis which ended a seven-game winning streak for the 49ers.
After a 73-54 loss to Saint Louis Feb. 9, the 49ers have dropped to third in the American Division behind Marquette and Cincinnati.
The 49ers are looking to bounce back against the Tigers with solid play from guard Jobey Thomas and forward Cam Stephens.
Thomas has average almost 21 points in the last five games, including a season-high 28 points against DePaul.
Cam Stephens is an inside force, averaging a near double-double with 13.2 points and 9.9 rebounds this season.
Tonight’s game is set to be televised nationally on ESPN2.
