Memphis’ staple all season has been defense and up-tempo play. They’ve wanted to play low-scoring games and make teams watch Tyreke Evans carve up man-to-man sets.

So far, it looks as if Memphis will have to rely on the post play of Shawn Taggart. He has experience in the Dance and is the only one in rhythm in the early going of the 2-seed’s opener against 15-seed Cal St.-Northridge.

CS-NR came out hot, hitting three of its first four shots and four attempts from the stripe. It was as if the Matadors were pushing the tempo and dictating the game, something you don’t often see against a John Calipari squad.

The score is 11-11 at the first official timeout… and Memphis really doesn’t want the score in the 70s. Get the ball inside to Taggart and work the half-court game.