The stakes couldn't be higher for Memphis as it enters Sunday's regular-season finale against No. 14 Houston with a possible invitation to the NCAA Tournament hanging in the balance. The Tigers (18-9, 12-5 AAC) are seeking their first appearance in the Big Dance in coach Penny Hardaway's four-year tenure and find themselves on the right side of the bubble as they welcome the AAC champion Cougars to town. But Memphis' margin for error is slim, as it's considered one of the "Last Four In," according to CBS Sports Bracketology Expert Jerry Palm.
A second win over Houston (26-4, 15-2) would go a long way toward solidifying Memphis' résumé and giving the Tigers some leeway to withstand an early exit from next week's AAC Tournament. The Cougars, meanwhile, enter as a projected No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament and can enter postseason play on a seven-game winning streak if they are able to secure revenge from a Feb. 12 home loss to the Tigers.
Memphis outscored Houston 41-28 in the second half of that game, and the outcome helped reinvigorate the Tigers' NCAA Tournament chances. With veteran wing Landers Nolley III, seasoned forward Deandre Williams and star freshman center Jalen Duren back in the lineup after injury issues during the season, Memphis is playing its best basketball now following a horrendous three-game slide against league opposition in January.
Houston has been banged up all season, too, and isn't getting back injured backcourt players Marcus Sasser and Tramon Mark. But in spite of those losses, veteran coach Kelvin Sampson has managed to win yet another conference title. Capping it off with a road win over a hot Memphis team would be impressive.
How to watch Houston vs. Memphis live
Date: Sunday, March 6 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: FedExForum-- Memphis, Tennessee
TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App
Houston vs. Memphis prediction, picks
Memphis seems to find another gear when its back is against the wall, and that's where horrendous stretches in nonconference play and in January put this team. The Tigers proved they can beat Houston in a 69-59 road win on Feb. 12 and should be able to do it again with the backing of what figures to be an inspired home crowd. The Cougars are AAC regular-season champions, but the Tigers might be the hotter team as the league tournament approaches. Prediction: Memphis 74, Houston 70
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