Oregon Opens as 4-Point Favorite Over Memphis at Phil Knight Invitational
- #14 Oregon (2-0) is a 4-point favorite against #13 Memphis (2-0) on Tuesday night
- The Ducks have wins over Fresno State and Boise State, while Memphis has beate South Carolina State and UIC
- Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway has said that James Wiseman will “continue to play” amid NCAA issues
The biggest story in college basketball heads to Portland on Tuesday night as James Wiseman and the Memphis Tigers travel to play the Oregon Ducks at at the Phil Knight Invitational (9:00 PM ET, Nov. 12).
No. 14 Oregon is a 4-point favorite against no. 13 Memphis. This will be the first look at these teams in a major matchup of either team’s season, and all indications are that both teams will be at full strength (i.e. the eligibility issues swirling around Wiseman are not going to keep him out of the game).
Oregon Ducks vs Memphis Tigers Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis Tigers | +4 (-110) | +160 | O 145.5 (-110) |
| Oregon Ducks | -4 (-110) | -180 | U 145.5 (-110) |
Odds taken November 12th.
Both teams are off to 2-0 starts to the season, and on Tuesday night, the goal for each is to keep the winning streak alive.
Oregon’s two wins have come against stiffer competition: Fresno State (71-57) and Boise State (106-75). Junior point guard Payton Pritchard is leading the way for the Ducks with 21.5 points per game, followed by New Mexico transfer Anthony Mathis (19.5) and JUCO transfer Chris Duarte (11.5).
Memphis’ first two wins haven’t had the name recognition of even Fresno and Boise, but they’ve reached 2-0 nonetheless. The 13th-ranked Tigers have wins over South Carolina State (97-64) and UIC (92-46), ranked 331st and 151st at KenPom.com, respectively.
What’s Wiseman’s Status?
Friday was an odd night in Memphis. The lawyer for James Wiseman announced that the NCAA had ruled Wiseman ineligible. Wiseman filed a suit against the NCAA, and Shelby County Chancery Court judge Jim Kyle issued a temporary restraining order that would allow Wiseman to play that night, putting up 17 points in the lopsided win over UIC.
In the middle of that game, the NCAA issued a statement that read, “The University of Memphis was notified that James Wiseman is likely ineligible. The university chose to play him and ultimately is responsible for ensuring its student-athletes are eligible to play.”
Following the game, Tiger coach Penny Hardaway stated that Wiseman would “continue to play.” There is a hearing scheduled for November 18th.
The NCAA has drug its feet for so long lately on these kinds of issues, and Wiseman, Hardaway, and Memphis are betting on the ineptitude of the organization.
What’s the Best Bet?
Both teams have gotten off to hot starts, but in doing so, Oregon has looked especially impressive. The Ducks are shooting 55% from the field and 43% from the 3-point line.
Against Boise State, Oregon put up 106 points and shot 68% from three.
Both of these teams are talented, and there is a lot left to learn about them as the season plays out, but right now, Oregon’s experience edge will be the key.
The Duck starting five consists of two seniors, two juniors, and just one sophomore. In an early-season, high-profile, neutral-court matchup, the experience should overmatch the youth of Memphis.
Pick: Oregon -4 (-110)
With four years as radio host with The Ticket Sports Network and various written contributions to publications such as Fansided, Southbound and Down, and Last Word on Sports, Jake Mitchell comes to SBD with NFL, NBA, NCAAM, NCAAF and MMA know-how you can count on.
