Memphis Plucks Owls for 90-62 Thumping To Open AAC Play
As the Memphis Tigers {11-3, 1-0 AAC} began American Athletic Conference action, the team hit the road to Boca Raton to battle Florida Atlantic. Ultimately, the Tigers would pluck the Owls {7-7, 0-1 AAC} all night in a 90-62 win, their 11th of 2024, that saw Memphis never trail the game {led for 39:33}. The 28-point win for Memphis is the largest since the in a conference opening game since the 99-58 win over ECU in January of 2008.
The win throttles Memphis into the all-time lead in the series, 3-2, as this is the first-ever win in Boca Raton.
Memphis now leads the all-time series, 3-2, after earning its first-ever win in Boca Raton.
With the massive win, Memphis is now 7-1 this season away from the Bluff City, including 4-0 in true road games. The 28-point victory is the Tigers’ largest since a 94-54 win over Tulane in the 2023 AAC Championship.
We will analyze the win, look at who stood out, and preview what is next on the schedule.
What Worked In Win
TEAM Effort
When all players on the roster score points you generally win. In the case of Memphis, all Tigers except for newcomer Dante Harris would get the ball in the bucket. This is not a slight at Harris as he would play 8 beneficial minutes. In these, Harris would grab one defensive rebound and assist along with 2 personal fouls in the blowout win.
The Tigers were extremely efficient in the 2nd half, again this season, as they shot 63.3% to close out the Owls chances. In fact, for the game, Memphis shot 55.9% {33-59} which is the second highest of the season behind the 56.1% against Ohio. This is the sixth time this season Memphis has shot over 50% for a game. In addition to this, Memphis would shoot 55.6% {10-18} from three which is the fourth game with double-digit makes. Memphis, under Penny Hardaway, is now 56-3 when shooting over 50% or higher from the field.
Defensively, Memphis locked the Owls down as they forced 13 turnovers for FAU and scored 19 points off these. In addition to this, FAU would be limited to only seven assists in the game.
Four Tigers scored in double figures in the win. Redshirt senior Colby Rogers chipped in 11 while PJ Haggerty put up 19 points with five boards and two dimes in 31 minutes. Haggerty has now scored in double figures in all 14 games.
Hunter On Prowl
Tyrese Hunter led the Tigers in points, with 20 on 8-14 shooting, and grabbed 7 rebounds and 4 assists. This is nothing new for Hunter as he has now scored 20 or more points in six games this season. In addition, Hunter also shot 4-6 from deep, making his sixth game with at least four three-pointers on the season.
In 2024, Hunter is shooting 45% {73-164} from the field, 47% {42-90} from deep, and 75% {27-36} from the free throw stripe. These numbers are 4th from the field and 2nd from three on the team. For Memphis to remain potent in conference play Memphis will need Hunter and others to continue to play with fierce competitiveness.
Big Man Game
Memphis played a grown-man game in the paint as the Tigers outscored the Owls, 43-32, in the paint. Tigers center, Moussa Cisse, would snag 11 rebounds for the second straight game. Of these rebounds, nine came on the defensive end as Cissee paired these with 7 points, 2 blocks, and 3 fouls in his 20 minutes of play. This has become a staple of Memphis in recent games and it has been refreshing to watch Cisse playing with confidence.
Along with Moussa, Memphis would see Dain Dainja continue to play with consistency. Dainja scored 16 points for the second straight game while playing 20 minutes. These points, which all came in the second stanza, were behind his 7-12 shooting which included 4 fouls in the win. This is the eighth of the last eleven games Dainja has reached double figures for Memphis. The Tigers have made the paint a point of emphasis and the players are responding with performances that are starting to string together.
What Is Next?
The Tigers do not have long to rest as their next game is Sunday, January 5th, as they host the North Texas Mean Green who enter the contest at 10-3. The game, scheduled for a 4 pm tip, can be watched/streamed on ESPN2.
On the season, UNT is 1-0 in AAC play while unblemished at home, with an 8-0 record, and 1-2 away from Denton. The Mean Green also entered the game on a 4-game winning streak as they defeated UAB, 78-75, on December 31, 2024, in their most recent game.
We will have much more on this game as it nears closer including a pre-game show on Sunday.
