Texas vs Memphis

[Raji]

Texas vs. Memphis
Odds: -3 ½, 145
Game time: 2:20 p.m. ET

No Cinderellas here, just the top two seeds in the region and both are looking incredibly strong coming into the Elite Eight.

Even though the Longhorns are playing just a few hours’ drive from their home base in Austin, Tex., the home-court advantage seems to be dampened by the setup at Reliant Stadium. The court is elevated and the stands are set back a good 20 feet from the sideline, not at all like the close quarters in most campus gyms. So don’t factor that into your handicapping because both teams are sleeping in hotels rooms and eating at restaurants.

Texas’ 20-point win over Stanford was impressive, especially considering the size advantage the Cardinal had with their 7-foot twin towers. Although D.J. Augustin proved once again that he is the best point guard in the country, he wasn’t alone this time. Damion James and Connor Atchley were extremely effective finishing inside, even with Stanford’s big men in the way. Justin Mason also caused problems for the defense as he showed good quickness and a nice crossover dribble that helped him slash his way into the middle of the defense and create open looks for teammates (6 assists).

But Memphis is not at all like Stanford. Texas played a zone against Stanford and simply collapsed on the ball when it was passed to the post, knowing they didn’t have to worry about the perimeter shot. Stopping Memphis won’t be that simple because every player on the floor is a threat to score at any time.

The Tigers have big, strong, quick athletes at every position. Guard Chris Douglas-Roberts, at 6-foot-7, causes matchup problems for most teams, but Texas is lucky to have Damion James, who is just as big and almost as quick as CDR and should frustrate the C-USA Player of the Year because Douglas-Roberts is used to being matched up with either slower forwards or smaller guards.

The Longhorns’ forwards might get pushed around in the post a bit the beefy Joey Dorsey, but if Texas needs more muscle, they can utilize 300-pound Dexter Pittman who did a good job on the Lopez boys when he was in the game.

It’s hard to go against Memphis after they completely dismantled the Michigan State Spartans in the Sweet Sixteen, but Texas won't be as easily stopped. John Calipari knew if he wanted to shut down the Spartans’ offense, all he had to do was take Drew Neitzel out of the game. That was no problem for the 6-foot-3 Rose and with the bigger, faster guard all over him for 40 minutes, Neitzel finished just six points and State looked lost in the offensive end. But Augustine is a much more talented point guard than Neitzel, particularly off the dribble, and he’s surrounded by better offensive talent. This might be one of the only games Memphis has played this year in which they don't have a huge physical advantage over their opponent and that could be tough for the Tigers to deal with.

By all accounts, Texas matches up better with the Tigers much better than any team they’ve faced in the Tournament and with the points, they look like a live dog in the Elite Eight.

Pick: Texas

Raji