The Memphis Tigers enter the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament as the clear favorites, having secured the No. 1 seed and the outright regular-season title with a 26-5 record and a 16-2 mark in conference play. Penny Hardaway’s squad has demonstrated resilience, winning 11 of their last 12 games and showcasing why they are the team to beat in Fort Worth, Texas.
However, as any coach will tell you, the postseason is a different animal. One misstep and a promising season can unravel quickly. With teams like North Texas, UAB, and Temple lurking on the opposite side of the bracket, the Tigers must remain sharp to capture their first AAC Tournament title under Hardaway’s leadership.
Here are three critical keys to Memphis securing the AAC Tournament championship:
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Limit Turnovers and Maintain Ball Security
If Memphis has had an Achilles’ heel this season, they have tended to commit untimely turnovers. In their overtime loss to Wichita State, the Tigers committed 15 turnovers, ultimately allowing the Shockers to hang around and pull off the upset. While Memphis has improved in this department in recent games, including limiting turnovers to just eight against South Florida, consistency will be vital in the high-stakes environment of the conference tournament.
Teams like UAB and North Texas thrive on creating extra possessions through turnovers. UAB, for instance, ranks among the AAC’s top teams in forced turnovers and converting them into points. The Tigers’ backcourt, led by PJ Haggerty and Tyrese Hunter, must make smart decisions, especially in late-game scenarios where each possession carries significant weight.
A disciplined approach to ball-handling will also help Memphis control the game’s tempo. Hardaway has often preached the importance of valuing each possession, and this mindset will need to carry over into the AAC Tournament. If Memphis can keep their turnovers under 10 per game, they will be difficult to beat.
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Sustain Defensive Intensity for 40 Minutes
Memphis has proven they can play stifling defense, evidenced by their performances in key wins over UAB, Florida Atlantic, and North Texas. The Tigers’ defense thrives on disrupting passing lanes, blocking shots, and creating fast-break opportunities. Dain Dainja, who has emerged as a defensive anchor, and Moussa Cisse provide a formidable frontcourt duo to alter shots and dominate the paint.
However, the Tigers have also had moments of defensive lapses, often allowing teams to rally late. The win over Rice, for instance, saw Memphis needing a 10-0 run late in the second half to seal the victory after allowing the Owls to tie the game. Against better competition in the tournament, those lapses could prove costly.
Memphis must apply consistent defensive pressure throughout the tournament to secure the AAC title. That includes executing full-court presses, maintaining intensity on pick-and-roll switches, and staying disciplined in half-court sets. The defense has often sparked Memphis’ best offensive runs this season, and maintaining that energy will be crucial.
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Execute in Clutch Moments
The postseason often depends on which team can handle the pressure and execute when the game is on the line. Memphis has experienced its share of tight games this season, from the overtime loss to Wichita State to close wins over teams like UTSA and Rice. Those experiences should serve the Tigers well, but they must convert those lessons into composure and execution in crunch time.
The Tigers possess multiple scoring threats capable of stepping up in big moments. PJ Haggerty has been the go-to scorer, and Dainja’s presence in the paint offers a reliable option when Memphis needs a high-percentage shot. Colby Rogers’ three-point shooting could also be pivotal if the Tigers need a quick bucket.
But perhaps most importantly, Memphis must capitalize on free throws and avoid costly mistakes in the final minutes. Games in the conference tournament are often won or lost at the charity stripe, and Memphis’ ability to hit free throws consistently could determine their fate.
The path to the AAC Tournament title is not without obstacles. Memphis will open play on Friday against the Wichita State vs. South Florida matchup winner. Should they advance, a potential semifinal against either Tulane or Florida Atlantic awaits. With North Texas, UAB, and Temple on the opposite side of the bracket, the Tigers have a relatively favorable path to the championship game.
If Memphis can limit turnovers, sustain defensive pressure, and execute in clutch situations, there is no reason why Penny Hardaway and his team can’t cut down the nets in Fort Worth. Doing so would solidify Memphis’ NCAA Tournament seeding and build momentum heading into March Madness. The Tigers have all the tools to win it all, but it will come down to focus, discipline, and performing when it matters most.
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