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Wichita State vs Memphis Prediction and Odds (Shockers to Keep it Close against Tigers)

By Ben Heisler

Wichita State Shockers guard Tyson Etienne will need to have a big game to stun the Memphis Tigers as 8.5-point underdogs on the road this afternoon.
Wichita State Shockers guard Tyson Etienne will need to have a big game to stun the Memphis Tigers as 8.5-point underdogs on the road this afternoon. / William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports
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After having a week to stew after a double-overtime home loss to Houston, the Wichita State Shockers head back on the road in AAC action against the Memphis Tigers at 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday.

Memphis has won seven of its last eight games following a three-game losing streak in the middle of January that caused head coach Penny Hardaway to fire back at a press conference.

Can the Shockers get some key stops against a talented Tigers squad on the road? Here are the latest odds over at WynnBET Sportsbook?

Wichita State vs. Memphis Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Wichita State +8.5 (-110)
  • Memphis -8.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Wichita State +310
  • Memphis -400

Total:

  • 141 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Wichita State vs. Memphis Prediction and Pick

The Shockers had the number one team in the AAC on the ropes multiple times in their game against Houston last week, and in the words of longtime NFL head coach Dennis Green, they "let em off the hook!"

Even in the loss, I was impressed with Wichita State's resolve against a far superior team, holding Houston to under 40% shooting and 29% from three-point range while also out-rebounding them 43-32.

From a metric standpoint, Wichita's State's defense matches up very well against the Tigers' offense. The Shockers are 38th in college basketball in KenPom's adjusted defensive efficiency and are top 50 in opponent effective field goal percentage, two-point percentage, and block percentage.

If the Shockers are going to hang around, they need to get to the free throw line early and often. Wichita State is shooting 75% from the line on the season, whereas Memphis is down at 68.2%. In their near-upset vs. Houston, the Shockers got to the free throw line a whopping 26 times, making 23 of their foul shots; compared to Houston going just 9-12.

If they can get the Tigers in foul trouble and force their 39th ranked adjusted defense to play a bit scared, the Shockers might not just cover, they could even pull off the upset.

I personally won't bet them to do so, but I absolutely believe covering the 8.5 is very much in play.

PICK: Wichita State +8.5 (-110)

Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting plays in real-time HERE.

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