Fresh off back-to-back victories, the No. 24 Memphis Tigers returned to FedEx Forum for arguably their most significant conference matchup of the season against the surging UAB Blazers. UAB entered Sunday’s contest riding a five-game winning streak, having clawed their way back to the top of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) standings after a rocky start.
UAB’s Resurgence Meets Memphis’ Firepower
Once struggling to find their identity in non-conference play, the Blazers have recently turned their season around with improved performances, proving why they were considered preseason favorites to win the AAC. However, their newfound momentum met a formidable obstacle in the Tigers, who showcased dominance rarely seen in conference play this year.
For Memphis, a key adjustment in the starting lineup played a significant role in their commanding victory. Head coach Penny Hardaway inserted Dain Dainja into the starting center role, strategically moving Moussa Cisse to the bench to enhance the team’s interior presence. The move paid off handsomely, as Dainja delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 21 points and eight rebounds.
Guard PJ Haggerty continued to impress with his offensive prowess, leading the Tigers with a game-high 23 points while demonstrating his ability to take over when needed. Supporting efforts from Nicholas Jourdain and Colby Rogers, who combined for 22 points, provided additional scoring depth. Cisse contributed eight points and six rebounds off the bench, making a meaningful impact in his new role.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone
Memphis wasted no time asserting their dominance, overwhelming UAB with relentless defensive pressure and an efficient offensive attack. The Tigers’ defense stifled the Blazers from the opening tip, forcing them into tough shots and disrupting their rhythm. UAB struggled to counter Memphis’ energy and physicality, trailing by double digits early in the first half.
By halftime, Memphis had built a commanding 52-39 lead, fueled by precision shooting and relentless ball movement. The Tigers shot an impressive 52.9% from beyond the arc and limited their turnovers to 13—an improvement from their previous outing against Wichita State.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Victory
Unlike recent matchups where the Tigers allowed opponents to rally, Memphis maintained their intensity throughout the second half. The Blazers attempted to mount a comeback, but Memphis’ offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity proved too much to handle.
Head coach Andy Kennedy acknowledged his team’s struggles in containing Memphis’ explosive offense, stating, “We could not guard them. When the other team shoots 70-plus percent in the second half, we could not guard them.” The Tigers’ ability to sustain their shooting success and control the tempo ultimately led to their emphatic 100-77 victory—arguably their most complete performance of AAC play so far.
Key Takeaways from the Win
- Lineup Changes Prove Effective
- Dain Dainja’s move to the starting lineup provided an inside scoring punch and defensive stability, while Moussa Cisse’s energy off the bench added valuable depth.
- Offensive Efficiency on Display
- Memphis shot 52.9% from three-point range and capitalized on UAB’s defensive lapses, showcasing their ability to execute at a high level when focused.
- Improved Ball Security
- The Tigers reduced their turnover count, a critical factor in maintaining leads and preventing unnecessary momentum swings for their opponents.
- AAC Title Race Intensifies
- With North Texas securing a win over Florida Atlantic, Memphis now finds itself in a tie for first place in the conference standings, raising the stakes for the remainder of the season.
What Lies Ahead
The Tigers now turn their attention to another pivotal conference matchup as they travel to face the Tulane Green Wave on Thursday. Tulane is known for playing Memphis tough, particularly on their home court. If the Tigers hope to maintain their position atop the AAC standings, they will need to replicate the focus and efficiency displayed against UAB while remaining wary of potential lapses that have cost them in previous road games.
Sunday’s dominant victory serves as a statement to the rest of the AAC—Memphis is hitting its stride at the right time, and their pursuit of conference supremacy is in full swing.
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