The No. 19 Memphis Tigers faced a tougher-than-expected challenge on Saturday afternoon but managed to hold off the East Carolina Pirates 74-70 in a tightly contested AAC matchup. Behind PJ Haggerty’s late-game heroics and an unrelenting free-throw performance, the Tigers improved to 13-3 on the season and 3-0 in conference play.
Haggerty’s Clutch Performance Steals the Spotlight
PJ Haggerty, who has emerged as Memphis’ go-to scorer in critical moments, once again showcased his ability to deliver under pressure. Haggerty scored eight of his game-high 25 points in the final 2:34 of the contest, including a long-range jumper and six perfect free throws down the stretch. His calm demeanor and precision at the line, particularly the crucial 1-and-1 with 9.7 seconds left, sealed the win for the Tigers.
Haggerty’s performance was emblematic of his season thus far—a relentless ability to shoulder the scoring load when it matters most. He shot 7-for-16 from the field and made all 10 of his free-throw attempts. His late-game impact ensured that Memphis avoided what could have been a disastrous loss in their bid to stay atop the AAC standings.
Hunter and Dainja Provide Key Support
While Haggerty’s clutch play stole the show, Tyrese Hunter and Dain Dainja provided critical support to keep Memphis afloat. Hunter added 14 points, showing flashes of his aggressive playmaking and defensive versatility. Meanwhile, Dainja contributed 10 points, giving Memphis much-needed stability in the paint.
Despite the win, Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway will likely be concerned about the team’s inconsistency on both ends of the court. The Tigers appeared to have control early in the game, building a double-digit lead thanks to a 16-0 run in the first half. However, lapses in effort and focus allowed East Carolina to hang around and nearly steal the game in the second half.
East Carolina’s Spirited Effort Falls Short
The Pirates, now 9-8 overall and 1-3 in AAC play, put forth a gutsy effort led by C.J. Walker and RJ Felton. Walker scored nine of his 23 points during a furious late-game rally, while Felton contributed 20 points and 13 rebounds, giving Memphis’ defense fits throughout the game. Despite the loss, East Carolina’s performance underscored their ability to challenge even the AAC’s top programs when playing with grit and energy.
East Carolina tied the game in the final minutes, thanks in part to Walker’s three-point play that made it 68-68 with just over a minute remaining. However, Haggerty responded with a pair of free throws to reclaim the lead, followed by a decisive drive from Hunter that put Memphis ahead for good.
Key Takeaways
- Missed Opportunity for a Statement Win
East Carolina’s hopes of notching their first road win against a ranked opponent since 1971 were dashed, but their tenacity was evident throughout the game. The Pirates’ ability to disrupt Memphis’ rhythm and claw their way back into the contest should be a warning for the Tigers and other AAC teams. - Memphis’ Inconsistency Remains a Concern
For the Tigers, Saturday’s game highlighted some recurring issues, notably their inability to maintain large leads. Despite strong starts in both halves, Memphis allowed East Carolina to hang around by committing turnovers and missing defensive assignments. The Tigers turned the ball over 16 times, including 10 in the second half, allowing East Carolina to capitalize on fast breaks and second-chance opportunities. - Haggerty’s Leadership Continues to Shine
Haggerty’s poise and scoring touch made the difference in a game that could have easily slipped away. His ability to close out tight contests will be a vital asset for Memphis as they navigate the challenges of AAC play. - East Carolina’s Offensive Rebounds Keep Them Close
Memphis struggled to control the boards, particularly on the defensive end. East Carolina grabbed 12 offensive rebounds, which led to numerous second-chance points and kept the Pirates within striking distance.
Key Stats
- Both teams struggled from beyond the arc: Memphis shot just 26% (6-for-23), while East Carolina fared slightly worse at 25% (5-for-20).
- Memphis’ free-throw shooting proved the difference, converting 16 of 19 attempts for an 84.2% success rate.
- The Pirates edged the Tigers on the boards, pulling 40 rebounds compared to Memphis’ 34.
Hardaway’s Post-Game Reflections
In the post-game press conference, Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway didn’t shy away from addressing the team’s struggles with energy and focus. “We didn’t carry practice over into the game,” Hardaway noted. “Every game is not gonna be a blowout. You have to close the door on these teams, and we didn’t do that tonight.”
Hardaway also praised Haggerty’s composure in crunch time, highlighting his ability to answer when the Tigers needed him most. “PJ is our go-to guy in those moments. He continues to knock down big shot after big shot, and that’s what separates him.”
Looking Ahead
With the win, Memphis moves to 3-0 in conference play and extends their winning streak to four games. Next up for the Tigers is a road matchup against Temple on Thursday night—a game that presents another opportunity for Memphis to solidify their status as the AAC’s flagship program.
For East Carolina, the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. The Pirates will host North Texas on Tuesday night, hoping to bounce back and build on the resilience they showed against Memphis.
Final Thoughts
While Memphis secured the win, the game served as a reminder of the challenges that come with being the AAC’s top dog. Every opponent treats Memphis like their Super Bowl, and lapses in focus could prove costly down the stretch. However, with players like Haggerty and Hunter stepping up when it matters most, the Tigers have the tools to navigate these challenges and maintain their winning ways.
