Tigers hope to shock the Shockers

On Tuesday, the unranked Tigers will take on the 11th ranked Shockers of Wichita State. Both teams finished last season ranked in the top 25. This game takes on neutral ground for both teams and is part of the 24 hours of hoops Tip-off marathon. The Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D is where the contest will take place. The Tigers have a 3-3 record in neutral site opening games. This is the first time the two teams have played each other since 1983.

This will be the Tigers first regular game this season. They fell victim to hard playing Division II CBU team in an exhibition game last week. The Tigers are only returning two starters from last season along with five lettermen. Shaq Goodwin was named to the All-American Athletic Conference second team and Austin Nichols was named rookie of the year. The Tigers have two freshmen, two transfers, four junior college transfers and two returnees that did not play in 2013-14. The University of Memphis Tigers are expected to be a top team in the AAC. If they can get enough production from their incoming freshman and back-court, the Tigers will have a chance at making the NCAA tournament in March.

Wichita State opened its season with a 71-54 win over New Mexico State Nov. 14. The Shockers retain three starters and seven letter-men. The three starters Ron Baker, Tekele Cotton and Fred VanVleet — all were named to the 2014-15 preseason All-MVC first team. VanVleet was the preseason MVC Player of the Year. Also he was named to the Associated Press preseason All-America team. Wichita State is coming off of a 35-1 season, 18-0 in conference play.