TIGER BASKETBALL: After defeating New Orleans, Memphis Tigers look for AAC win against Tulane Green Wave

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The Memphis Tigers will look to get the New Orleans city sweep when they host the Tulane Green Wave on Monday night at FedExForum. The Tigers defeated the University of New Orleans on Saturday 97-55.

The Tigers’ biggest weakness this season has been outside shooting. But against New Orleans, Memphis was red hot, at one point going 7 of 8 from the arc. It was one of their most complete games this season. New Orleans came into the game with a better points per game average than the Tigers scoring more than 80 points per game.

The defense of the Tigers has been one of the most unappreciated aspects of this team.  The Tigers are among the nation leaders in creating turnovers. The Tigers forced New Orleans into 28 turnovers. The Tigers got off to a fast start and did not let up.

The Tigers will host Tulane in their American Athletic Conference opener. The Green Wave features former Tiger K.J. Lawson. Lawson was on the roster for the Tigers under former coach Tubby Smith.

Lawson, a graduate transfer from the University of Kansas, comes into the game averaging 14 points per game average. Lawson and his brother Detric transferred to Kansas and sat out a year before playing a season with the Jayhawks.

Here are some keys to the Tigers getting their first AAC win:

Keep making jumpers

The Tigers are currently ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press poll and No. 10 in the Coaches’ Poll. The Tigers will probably move up in the next poll due to a few teams losing last week. If the Tigers want to continue to scare teams, they will have to continue the hot shooting they had against New Orleans.

They shot 52 percent from the floor and from behind the three-point line. Boogie Ellis hit his first two three-point attempts after making three of his last 24 attempts.

Control the turnovers

Unforced turnovers has been another thorn in the side of the Tigers. The team needs to start making better decisions in their offensive sets.  This is something can be solved with just being more patient and not trying to make the spectacular play on every possession.

Defense Defense Defense

The Tigers are one of the best teams in the country in defensive efficiency. Memphis’ height and length helps them be among the best in the nation in blocking shots.

When the Tigers impose their full-court pressure, it has caused other teams to get out of rhythm, leading to forced turnovers. That defensive pressure has led by the guards in Damion Baugh and Alex Lomax.

Tipoff is at 8 p.m. and can be seen on the CBS SportsNetwork.