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Memphis unlikely to face a challenge from Rice

Jan 16, 2008 - 3:08 PM No. 2 Memphis (15-0) at Rice (3-12) 8:00 pm EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) - Blowouts have been a familiar theme this season for No. 2 Memphis. The Tigers can expect more of the same against Rice on Wednesday in a Conference USA game.

Memphis (15-0, 2-0 CUSA) has an average victory margin of 21.5 points and has defeated four opponents by more than 30 points. The Tigers are 3-0 on the road this season.

Junior guard Chris Douglas-Roberts averages 16.3 points and 5.2 rebounds for Memphis. Freshman guard Derrick Rose is averaging 14.7 points and 4.3 assists, while junior forward Robert Dozier averages 11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds.

The Tigers have won all four games in the series.

The Owls (3-12, 0-2) enter the contest on a five-game losing streak. Starting guard Rodney Foster suffered a left knee injury against Marshall on January 9 and is not expected to play. Due to injuries, Rice has used 11 different starting lineups.

Senior forward Paulius Packevicius is Rice's only player averaging double figures at 10.6 points and also leads the team in rebounding at 9.5 per game. The Owls are committing an average of 20.6 turnovers per game.