Memphis visits the Northwest

The Memphis Tigers are stepping out of Conference USA action one last time for a matchup against 18th-ranked Gonzaga. The 15th-ranked Tigers (19-3, 12-8-1 ATS) have been improving and coach John Calipari wants his team to be pushed in a hostile setting one last time before the NCAA tourney.

Antonio Anderson has gotten more comfortable in his role as shooting guard and his accuracy has improved since freshman Tyreke Evans has taken over the point. The Tigers' defense has been great so far, holding teams to 61.5 points a game on 37.7 percent shooting. The team seems to finally have bought into coach Cal’s preaching about toughness and they are 16-6 ATS versus defensive teams allowing 39 percent or less shooting after 15 or games on the season.

Gonzaga (17-4, 10-9 ATS) is very similar to Memphis in the respect they have been the dominant team in their conference and go after a demanding non-league schedule to improve resume and hopefully seeding. Since losing four of five games to finish December, the Bulldogs have regained their confidence and have a balanced attack.

Four players average in double digits; with Josh Heytvelt the leading scoring and West Coast Conference assist leader and reigning player of the year Jeremy Pargo, nearly at 10 points per game. Mark Few squads are 11-3 ATS vs. teams that average nine or more steals a game past the midpoint of the season.

The official line has the Tigers catching five points. Memphis has won 13 in a row (8-3-1 ATS) and is 11-3 and 8-5 ATS in non-conference action. The Tigers have covered last four outings against teams with winning records.

Gonzaga has offensive firepower, however their defense is overlooked; surrendering just 61.9 points per game and leads the country in defensive field goal percentage at 36.4 percent. The Bulldogs have had problems with teams with records above .500 with 2-7 ATS mark.

ESPN will have the telecast at 9 Eastern in what should be a very compelling matchup.