From Dickie V

Thursday's Match-Up's
Dick Vitale
SPECIAL TO ESPN.COM

TEXAS A&M VS. MEMPHIS
I was impressed with the Tigers after seeing them beat Nevada. They were more talented last year with Rodney Carney, Shawne Williams and Darius Washington Jr, but this year's squad plays better together as a unit. Memphis likes to force the tempo of the game and inside, the Killer D's Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier can hurt you. Dorsey has been terrific on the glass so far in the NCAA tournament.

Memphis also came through under pressure hitting free throws against Nevada. A key in this game is the status of Chris Douglas-Roberts, who injured his ankle against Nevada. John Calipari's team has quality depth, but if Douglas-Roberts can't go, that is a major setback. You don't win 24 games in a row unless you are very good, and the Tigers have not lost in three months because they have talent.

The Aggies have a true star in Acie Law, a member of my All-Solid Gold squad. He makes big plays and big shots in winning time. Joseph Jones will battle Dorsey and Dozier up front. Dominique Kirk has been a solid surprise in the NCAA tournament, hitting shot after shot. Billy Gillispie would like to see Josh Carter get back on his game.

This will be a battle, and I give the slight edge to the Aggies.