MEMPHIS: Spartans look to upset Penny Hardaway and J&L Express in Collierville Championship

Memphis, TN - Stop any UH fan walking the streets of Memphis or inside the Collierville Life Time and tell them you believe the 7-2 Spartans have a chance against the mighty 9-0, two-time defending champion J&L Express led by Penny Hardaway in the Winter Season 2011 Championship.

What would your most likely response be? Laughter.

No none expects the Spartans to win Wednesday night's championship. It would be a miracle win on par with 1980 USA Olympic Hockey team. Or Villanova over Georgetown in the 1985 NCAA Championship game.

Let's look at recent history.

In their first meeting this season on Feb 13, J&L Express rolled out to 38-26 lead at the half and cruised to 72-60 victory. The Spartans shot just 31% from the field and turned the ball over 20 times against the pressing J&L defense.

In their second meeting on April 10, it was more of the same for the Spartans- they turned the ball over 21 times and shot just 34% from the field including a wretched 1-of-12 from behind the arc in the 79-50 loss.

The bright spot in their last game was play of center Mark Gulina. Gulina finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. If the Spartans are to have any chance on Wednesday night, Gulina must have a career game and most importantly the Spartans must protect the ball.

If J&L can win as expected, it will be their third straight UH championship and could make them a #1 seed in the next Regional Tournament.

Tip-off is set for 8pm CDT at the Collierville Life Time.