The Memphis Tigers take on the Tulane Green Wave in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Memphis is favored by 6.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -298. The total is set at 151 points.
Here’s my Memphis vs. Tulane predictions and college basketball picks for January 30, 2025.
Memphis vs Tulane Prediction
My Pick: Tulane +7.5 (Play to +5)
My Memphis vs Tulane best bet is on the Green Wave covering the spread, with the best odds currently available at FanDuel. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Memphis vs Tulane Odds
| Memphis Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -108 | 151 -110o / -110u | -298 |
| Tulane Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -112 | 151 -110o / -110u | +240 |
- Memphis vs Tulane spread: Memphis -6.5
- Memphis vs Tulane over/under: 151 points
- Memphis vs Tulane moneyline: Memphis -298, Tulane +240
- Memphis vs Tulane best bet: Tulane +7.5 (Play to +5)
Spread
At home, I can see the Green Wave at least keeping this close.
Moneyline
I have no play on the moneyline.
Over/Under
I have play on the total.
My Pick: Tulane +7.5 (Play to +5)
Memphis vs Tulane College Basketball Betting Preview
The two best defenses in the AAC square off in New Orleans on Thursday night as plucky Tulane hosts mighty Memphis.
The Green Wave has been far better than expected this year, as they're looking to pull even in the standings with Memphis at 6-2.
Ron Hunter’s squad ranks 327th in the country in experience and 325th in minutes continuity from last season, yet the Wave sit near the top of the league and nearly 50 spots higher than their preseason KenPom rank.
Memphis looks to stay on top of the league, move to 7-1 in the AAC and further its at-large NCAA Tournament case.
The Tigers outclass everyone in talent in this conference, but of course, similar to the prior year, they tend to play down to competition. Memphis’ one conference slip-up this year happened on the road at Temple, and Tulane is perfect at home this season in conference play.
The Tigers are led by All-American PJ Haggerty and two power-conference players Dain Dainja and Tyrese Hunter.
All Memphis needs to do in this game is protect the rock, and it should emerge victorious. Tulane’s zone is fierce, but if the Tigers can get the ball into the paint, they should score at will. The Green Wave rank just 11th in the AAC in 2-point field goal percentage defense and have been average stopping action at the rim.
On the defensive end, Memphis has a distinct athleticism edge on just about every team it plays. The Tigers lead the league in turnover rate forced and effective field goal percentage allowed.
While 3-point splits have been in their favor (AAC opponents are shooting 27.6% from deep), their quickness, length and athleticism impacts shot-making in a real way.
Look for the Tigers to try to get out in transition and beat the Tulane zone down the floor. Memphis plays at the fastest offensive pace in the AAC and would love not to mess with Ron Hunter’s trickery in the half-court.
Ron Hunter has had Penny Hardaway’s number the past few seasons, going 4-2 in regular season play against Memphis. His 1-3-1 extended zone could give the Tigers fits. Memphis has the highest offensive turnover rate in the AAC, and Tulane will be eager to exploit the Tigers' looseness with the ball all night long.
Tulane will force the Tigers to be shooters, which isn’t their game. Haggerty is a gamer and Tyrese Hunter can get magma hot from deep, but generally, Memphis wants to drive and get the ball close to the cup. Making Memphis uncomfortable will no doubt be a top priority for Ron Hunter and his defense.
Offensively, Tulane doesn’t have any stars, but the pieces gel nicely and form a sum that’s greater than the parts. Ron Hunter did a great job identifying power conference castaways looking for career rebirths.
To date in AAC play, the Green Wave sports a 60% assist rate, a sign of their unselfishness on the offensive end and Ron Hunter’s ability to coach and get a brand new team to co-exist and thrive.
Tulane’s positional size will also be an asset for it on Thursday against the athletic Tigers. The Wave are bigger than the Tigers on the wings and every player on the floor is versatile and multi-positional.
On offense, Ron Hunter will often feature lineups with four or five guys who can bury shots from outside the arc. Tulane’s size will put pressure on Memphis on both ends of the court.
At home in New Orleans as a sizable dog, the hungry Green Wave should be live. This team has plenty of players who have played at a higher level and won’t be intimidated by the names on the back of the Memphis jerseys.
Look for Ron Hunter to flex his muscles against Penny and keep his Wave close for a full 40 minutes.
