Haggerty & Hunter Combine for 43 Points to Power Memphis Past LA Tech

Wednesday, December 4

Memphis, Tenn.

7:00 PM

University of Memphis

7-1,0-0AAC

Louisiana Tech

7-2,0-0CUSA

Louisiana Tech

Memphis

Haggerty & Hunter Combine for 43 Points to Power Memphis Past LA Tech

Dec 04, 2024 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The 16^th-ranked University of Memphis men's basketball team defeated Louisiana Tech, 81-71, inside FedExForum in Memphis on Wednesday night to improve to 7-1 on the season.

Memphis shot 43 percent in the win while outrebounding the Bulldogs 39-26 and picking up 13 steals defensively. The Tigers scored 42 percent of their points in the paint and had 21 second-chance points to the Bulldogs' eight.

Memphis guard duo PJ Haggerty (23) and Tyrese Hunter (20) combined for 43 points – 25 in the second half – to lead the Tigers offensively in the victory. Haggerty's 23 points were a game-high as he went 12-for-12 at the free-throw line, dished out six assists, and pulled down five boards. Hunter collected six rebounds.

Redshirt senior Colby Rogers chipped in 13 points and, with 55 seconds left on the clock, made a vital three-point shot to seal the deal for a Tigers victory.

Memphis jumped out to an early 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the first half. The Tigers maintained the lead through most of the frame before Louisiana Tech fought back to take the lead with less than two minutes left in the half.

Hunter found the bottom of the net as the time ran out to cut the deficit to 38-37 going into the break.

The Tigers regained the lead to start the second half, and with a Haggerty three-pointer off a turnover, the Tigers extended the lead back to seven. Both teams scored back and forth until the Bluff City Boys used a 7-0 run to go up by 11 with 11:05 left in the half.

Midway through the second half, Louisiana Tech closed the gap once again with a 10-0 run, tying the ball game at 63. After the Bulldogs run, Memphis dominated, never letting Louisiana Tech get within reaching distance.

Redshirt senior forward Dain Dainja was crucial in the second half, scoring six points and securing eight rebounds.

The defense was the backbone of tonight's game as the Tigers as a team forced 14 turnovers just in the first half alone. Memphis went on to force a total of 20 turnovers and convert into 31 points.

The Tigers are back in action at the FedExForum Sunday, Dec. 8 against Arkansas State. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. with coverage available on ESPNU and 98.9 FM The Roar.

How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Men's Basketball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.