Boise State vs Memphis Prediction

Boise State vs Memphis Prediction: The Boise State Broncos and the Memphis Tigers will meet in the NIT quarterfinals this Thursday. Memphis comfortably dispatched Dayton in the first round, while Boise State ended a four-game skid with a narrow victory over SMU.

Broncos

Boise State (19-8) came into the NIT as one of our favorites. The Broncos won 12 of their first 13 games, including road wins over Sam Houston State and BYU. They were solid early through Mountain West play, as they swept UNLV and Utah State.

Two losses to both Nevada and San Diego State left them vulnerable for the Bubble, and then the last season home loss to Fresno State all but shattered their tournament hopes.

They picked up the first round win over SMU with a balanced effort from their starting lineup, as each of the five Broncos scored in double figures.

Despite their last four games, Boise is one of the stronger teams in the country size wise. They’re impressive on both sides of the ball, and their led offensively by Derrick Alston Jr. The senior guard averages 17.3 points per game, and he’s been their most consistent threat this season.

Senior forward Abu Kigab is one of the best defenders in the country. He’s scoring on the team in scoring (11.8) and he’s versatile enough to guard all five positions on the floor.

RayJ Dennis and Marcus Shaver Jr. man the backcourt, while Arizona transfers Devonaire Doutrive and Emmanuel Akot have come on strong lately, giving head coach Leon Rose an even deeper bench as March approaches. Mladen Armus leads the team in rebounding (7.9) and brings a formidable paint presence, making this defense even tougher to score on.

Tigers

Memphis (17-8) also entered the NIT as one of the favorites. The Tigers were one of the biggest snubs from the field of 64, as they won eleven of their final fourteen games.

Two close losses to Houston derailed their season, but they were one of the best teams in a crowded American Conference. Memphis defeated Dayton 71-60 in the first round, despite trailing at halftime.

Memphis advanced to the second round through the power of their guard play. Sophomore guard Landers Nolley II leads the team in scoring (12.9) and he had a season-high 21 points in the first round win.

Fellow sophomore guard Lester Quinones recorded a double-double, and scored all 15 of his points in the second half of victory over Dayton. Point guard Boogie Ellis struggled, but he scored a career-high 27 in the late season loss to Houston.

Junior forward Deandre Williams brings a very versatile skill set to the table. Williams is second on the team in scoring (12.9), and he leads the in rebounding (5.8), assists (3.5), steals (2.1), and three point percentage (44%).

Sophomore D.J. Jeffries joins him up front, and he’s the Tigers’ fourth leading scorer (9.6) and he’s third on the team in rebounding (5.1).