Memphis +16.5 starts with protecting possessions at Vanderbilt. The Tigers committed 8 turnovers against VCU on Saturday to the Rams' 13, winning points off turnovers 21-9.
Repeating that ball security would limit Vanderbilt's chances to build a 17-point lead off giveaways.
Through two games, Memphis leads the American Conference in three-point shooting at 45.2%. Rihards Vavers went 4-for-5 from deep against VCU and scored 17 points.
The Tigers made 25 free throws in each win, over Iowa State and VCU. Jayden Reid leads the American at 29.0 points per game through those two games.
Against VCU, Reid scored 32 and hit the winning free throws with five seconds left.