Tigers
Preview
🎯 Betting Prediction: New Orleans Privateers vs. Memphis Tigers
📅 December 3, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM CT
📍 FedExForum — Memphis, TN
The New Orleans Privateers head into FedExForum looking to steal a statement win before conference play, but Memphis presents one of their toughest tests — even with an early-season roller coaster start. Penny Hardaway’s squad is only 2–4, but don’t let the record fool you: the Tigers are still loaded with length, athleticism, and high-major depth.
🔍 Key Matchups & Angles
UNO Strengths:
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Jakevion Buckley is playing at an elite level with two double-doubles already, including a rare points-assists double-double vs Tulane.
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Coleton Benson is a perfect 24-for-24 at the free throw line — a massive clutch advantage in close games.
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Three different Privateers have posted double-doubles (most in the Southland), showing surprising balance.
Memphis Strengths:
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Dug McDaniel and Julius Thedford bring the scoring punch and tempo Memphis loves.
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The Tigers’ length and defense can suffocate mid-majors, especially at home.
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Hardaway’s squads historically thrive when playing down to pressure — they rebound after slow starts.
📈 Betting Line Projection (Predicted Market)
Memphis -13.5
Total: 147.5
UNO is gritty and battle-tested (Mississippi State OT, Fresno State, Texas Tech), but Memphis is a different matchup — deeper, faster, and more physical at every position.
📌 Betting Breakdown
Spread Pick: Memphis -13.5
Memphis’ athleticism and home-court energy at FedExForum should create real matchup problems for UNO, especially on the defensive glass. The Tigers have a strong track record of overwhelming smaller teams early.
UNO hangs tough for stretches — as they did vs Mississippi State — but Memphis’ depth and tempo likely pull away late.
Over/Under Pick: Under 147.5
UNO has struggled to shoot consistently from deep, and Memphis’ half-court defense forces teams into late-clock shots. Unless the Privateers catch fire, this feels like a defensive grind, not a track meet.
Prop Angle: Buckley Over 5.5 Assists
Buckley is one of the cleanest playmakers in the mid-major ranks and Memphis’ pressure gives up passing lanes when over-aggressive.
🧠 Final Prediction
Memphis 78, New Orleans 63
The Privateers compete, scrap, and keep it respectable into the second half, but Memphis’ length and scoring depth ultimately separate.
UNO leaves with valuable experience heading into Southland play. Memphis gets a much-needed momentum win at home.
