Just as I expected, Tennessee won a close game, and the free throw shooting for Memphis cost them at then end. The Tigers shot 8-17 from the line. Tennessee shot 12-18 from the line.

Tennessee will move up to #1 in both polls. Memphis should be 3rd (assuming UNC wins tonight).

Overall, it was a great game.

People tend to say that a loss to break an undefeated season is a good thing, but not in a game like this. A loss does take the pressure off of a team, but Memphis had plenty of opportunities to win this game, and they could not capitalize.

With Duke's loss, Tennessee should move up to number 2 in the nation. This sets the stage for Saturday night for the biggest game of the year so far.

Yes, I said it: bigger than Duke @ North Carolina.

As most people know, the Volunteers go to Memphis on Saturday (9:00 P.M. EST, ESPN). The top 2 teams in the nation will be going at on hot streaks, assuming both teams win their respective game before Saturday.

Possible Trap Games

Memphis plays at Tulane on Wednesday. They must not fall for the trap as they have to try to avoid thinking about Saturday's big showdown. Tulane is not a bad team, sitting at 14-9 (5-5 Conference USA). The Tigers must win this game to make the stakes even larger for the game against Tennessee.

The Vols face Auburn on Wednesday. The Tigers (Auburn) are coming off of a huge road win against Mississippi, and they know who Tennessee plays on Saturday. This is an Auburn team that has a lot of momentum going into Wednesday's game against Tennessee.

Analysis

Tennessee is led by senior guard Chris Lofton, who was a pre-season All-American. Lofton is a very good three point shooter, so the Tigers (Memphis) have to focus on him. They also have guard JaJuan Smith and forward Tyler Smith. All three players average more than 13 points per game.

Memphis is led by junior guard/forward Chris Douglas-Roberts. He is averaging 17.5 points per game. Freshman guard Derrick Rose is one of the best in the country. Joey Dorsey is a big factor on the glass.

X-Factors

For Memphis, it is their free throw shooting. Against UAB on Saturday, the Tigers shot 12-22 from the line and escaped with a 79-78 victory. The igers cannot afford to shoot poorly from the charity stripe if they want to beat an SEC power like Tennessee. The Tigers have thhe worst free throw shooting percentage in the nation (58.31%).

For Tennessee, it is their three-point shooting. They are tied for 11th in the nation in 3-pointers attempted with 648. They make 36.3% of them, which is close to the NCAA average. IIf Tennessee makes 40% of their 3-pointers, I think they have a good shot at winning this game.

Prediction

Even though they are on the road, I like the Volunteers in a close game. I think Memphis will have the lead late, but their poor free throw shooting down the stretch will cost them the game.

Tennessee 82, Memphis 79