- Memphis Tigers (28-5) face UAB Blazers (22-11) in AAC Championship
- Tigers enter with 9-1 record in last 10 games; Blazers 7-3
- Previous matchup: Memphis won 88-81, led by PJ Haggerty’s 25 points
- UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg averages a double-double (17.7 PPG, 10.8 RPG)
- Betting line: Tigers favored by 4.5 points, over/under set at 160.5
The AAC Championship game promises fireworks as the Memphis Tigers and UAB Blazers collide in Fort Worth this Sunday. With Memphis holding an 18-2 conference record and UAB showcasing resilience in close games, this matchup highlights contrasting styles. The Tigers’ high-octane offense averages 80 points per game, while the Blazers’ defense allows just 76 points on average. PJ Haggerty’s dynamic playmaking (21.8 PPG) will test UAB’s frontline anchored by Yaxel Lendeborg, whose 4.2 assists per game showcase unique versatility for a big man.
Recent trends favor Memphis, who’ve won nine of their last ten contests. Their defense has been particularly stifling, grabbing 23.6 defensive rebounds per game – sixth-best in the AAC. UAB counters with efficient three-point shooting (6.6 makes per game), though they’ll need to overcome Memphis’ perimeter defense that limits opponents to eight triples per contest. The Blazers’ 3-3 record in one-possession games suggests they can handle late-game pressure, crucial in championship scenarios.
Industry analysts note the AAC’s growing NCAA tournament influence, with conference teams securing multiple March Madness bids in three of the last five seasons. Defensive rebounding percentage strongly correlates with postseason success – Memphis’ 69.2% defensive board rate could prove decisive. Regional economic reports indicate Fort Worth championship games typically generate $4.2 million in local revenue, with hotels near Dickies Arena at 92% occupancy for sports events.
Betting markets slightly favor Memphis (-4.5), reflecting their superior conference record and recent head-to-head victory. However, UAB’s balanced scoring (four players averaging double figures) makes them a live underdog. The over/under of 160.5 points suggests expectations for an up-tempo game, aligning with both teams’ fast-paced styles. With NCAA tournament seeding implications, this championship carries weight beyond conference bragging rights.