The Memphis Tigers, newly ranked No. 16 in the nation following an impressive run at the Maui Invitational, continued their strong start to the season with a hard-fought 81-71 victory over Louisiana Tech on Wednesday night. The Tigers improved to 7-1 on the season, while the Bulldogs, projected as contenders for the Conference USA title, dropped to 7-2.
A Sluggish Start Turns into a Strong Finish
Coming off a high-energy stretch of games, Memphis appeared out of sync early against Louisiana Tech. The Tigers struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with turnovers and inconsistent shooting plaguing their efforts. The Bulldogs capitalized, keeping the game tightly contested and even holding a one-point lead, 38-37, at halftime.However, Memphis came alive in the second half. After the game was tied at 63-63 late in the period, the Tigers unleashed a decisive 9-0 run to close out the contest. Guard Colby Rogers hit a critical three-pointer during the stretch, sealing the victory for Memphis.
Key Contributors and Stats
Memphis was led by P.J. Haggerty, who had another standout performance with 23 points, seven steals, six assists, and five rebounds. Haggerty’s relentless energy on both ends of the court was instrumental in the Tigers’ success. Tyrese Hunter added 20 points, six rebounds, and two steals, showcasing his ability to control the game in crucial moments. Colby Rogers chipped in with 13 points, including two three-pointers, and a critical block that stymied a late Louisiana Tech push. From the bench, Dain Dainja contributed 6 points and eight rebounds, going 3-of-8 from the field. Moussa Cissé anchored the interior with nine rebounds, two blocked shots, and eight points.
Breaking Down the Numbers
While Memphis shot a modest 43.3% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc, they found other ways to win. The Tigers dominated the glass, out-rebounding Louisiana Tech 39-26, a key improvement after being out-rebounded in their Maui Invitational loss to Auburn. Defensively, Memphis forced Louisiana Tech into 20 turnovers, a statistic that ultimately decided the game. The Bulldogs’ leading scorer, Daniel Batcho, managed 13 points but also committed three turnovers under pressure from Memphis’ aggressive defense.
Louisiana Tech entered the game as one of the top three-point defensive teams in the nation, allowing opponents to shoot just 29% from deep. Despite this, Memphis hit six three-pointers, including Rogers’ clutch shot late in the game.
A Resume-Builder for Memphis
This win adds another quality victory to Memphis’ growing resume, which already includes triumphs over UConn, San Francisco, and Missouri. While Louisiana Tech recently suffered a surprising loss to Southern, they remain a formidable opponent and a strong contender in Conference USA. Victories like this could carry significant weight come Selection Sunday.
Challenges Ahead
The road ahead for the Tigers doesn’t get any easier. Next up is a matchup against Arkansas State at FedEx Forum, followed by tough non-conference games against Clemson, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Virginia. These games present opportunities for Memphis to further solidify its resume before entering AAC play.
Memphis’ 81-71 win over Louisiana Tech showcased their ability to grind out victories even on less-than-perfect nights. With P.J. Haggerty and Tyrese Hunter leading the way, the Tigers proved once again that they can find ways to win against quality opposition. As the season progresses, their depth and resilience will be tested, but for now, Memphis continues to build momentum and justify their top-20 ranking.
The Tigers will return to action Saturday against Arkansas State, looking to add another win before heading into the tougher stretch of their non-conference schedule.
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