Memphis basketball vs. Virginia: Score prediction, scouting report for top-25 matchup

Each game brings about its own unique set of challenges.

The Memphis basketball team's game against Virginia on Tuesday (6 p.m., ESPN2) at FedExForum might be the most challenging for the Tigers (8-2, and ranked No. 23 in this week's AP Top 25). And the Cavaliers (9-1), ranked No. 21 in the country last week, might be Memphis' most unique opponent to date.

Virginia's goal is to run its offense at a proverbial snail's pace. Tony Bennett's team ranks 361st (out of 362 Division I teams) in adjusted tempo. But the Cavaliers (playing a true road game for the first time this season Tuesday) haven't seen many teams that try to push the pace as much as Memphis. In fact, of Virginia's opponents so far this season, only Florida ranks higher (17th) than the Tigers (21st) in adjusted tempo.

Tuesday's game is Memphis' third in a row versus a ranked opponent, marking just the fifth time in history the Tigers have faced back-to-back-to-back top 25 teams in regulars-season play. It's the second time ever Memphis has had a stretch like this in non-conference play. And it will be the first time it has happened outside of a tournament setting in non-conference play.

Here are three things to keep an eye on ahead of Tuesday's contest.

Nae'Qwan Tomlin time?

Nae'Qwan Tomlin is the Tigers' most recent acquisition, and the time to celebrate that may be upon us.

Signs are pointing toward Memphis formally adding Tomlin to the active roster very soon. Whether he will actually play against Virginia is a slightly foggier proposition. If Tomlin is ready to contribute, Tigers fans will finally get a glimpse at exactly what he can do.

The 6-foot-10 former Kansas State star boasts a similar skill set to that of former Memphis great DeAndre Williams. While more raw than Williams, Tomlin is longer with perhaps more athleticism.

When Jahvon Quinerly plays well ...

... the Tigers usually win.

And Jahvon Quinerly has played very well lately. On the heels of a three-game stretch that saw him shoot 5-for-25 from the field (20%) with an assist-to-turnover ratio only slightly better than 2-to-1 − and saw Memphis go 1-2 − Quinerly has upped his game multiple levels.

During the Tigers' current three-game winning streak, Quinerly is shooting 55.2% from the field and averaging 20.3 points per game. In wins against Texas A&M and Clemson, Quinerly's assist-to-turnover ratio is 5.5-to-1.

His biggest impact, however, might be the confidence he inspires among his teammates.

"When it comes to closing out games, (if) you got this guy, you cool," Nicholas Jourdain said after Sunday's win against Clemson. "When he got the rock, you know everything's gonna be good. Obviously, we've got Coach Penny (Hardaway), but (Quinerly) is controlling the game, so shout-out to him on that."

Virginia scouting report

The Cavaliers have what many believe are two future pros in their lineup: sophomore guard Ryan Dunn (6-8) and senior guard Reece Beekman (6-3).

Bleacher Report's most recent mock draft has Dunn (8.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game) going 10th overall in next year's draft. And Beekman (21 points, including the game-winning field goal) nearly single-handedly willed Virginia to a narrow win over Northeastern on Saturday.

But the Cavaliers have more than Dunn and Beekman. Isaac McNeely (6-4 sophomore guard) is second on the team with 12.3 points per game, and Blake Buchanan (6-11 freshman forward) gives them some size.

Virginia sports one of the best defenses in the nation, ranking second in adjusted efficiency, sixth in 3-point percentage defense and 10th in turnover percentage defense.

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The Cavaliers' most glaring weakness is in rebounding. They have been outrebounded by an average of 2.9 per game this season.

Memphis vs. Virginia score prediction

Memphis 70, Virginia 64: Another big game at home? Don't bet against the Tigers right now.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball vs. Virginia: Score prediction, scouting report