MEMPHIS, Tenn. — PJ Haggerty scored 27 points to lead No. 21 Memphis to a 68-64 lead over stubborn North Texas on Sunday night.
Haggerty made 11 of 14 field goals, including his first seven shots of the game. Dain Dainja finished with 14 points, missing just 1 of 6 shots, as Memphis (12-3, 2-0 American Athletic Conference) won for the fifth time in the past six games. I got it.
Brennen Lorient led the Mean Green (10-4, 1-1) with 18 points, and Moulay Sissoko added 17 points and eight rebounds on 7-of-8 shooting. North Texas’ winning streak ended at four.
The game was close from start to finish, with no team leading by more than 7 points. The score was tied four times and the lead changed hands six times. Memphis’ press finally made a difference at a key moment. This resulted in North Texas committing 16 turnovers.
takeout
North Texas: The Mean Green were looking for their first road win over a ranked team since February 27, 1971. Overall, North Texas is 6-101 against AP Top 25 opponents.
Memphis: After returning to the rankings last week, Memphis opened conference play with a dominant 90-62 victory over Florida Atlantic. Memphis struggled throughout the game, unable to build a real lead.
important moment
With 2 minutes and 15 seconds left on the clock and the shot clock expiring, Hagerty hit a long, desperate, arching shot from about 30 feet. The ball slid through the net and Memphis led 64-58.
Main status
The Mean Green benefited from dominating the board. North Texas had 30 rebounds while Memphis had 21, including 12 offensive rebounds.
to the next
North Texas hosts Rice on Wednesday night. Memphis hosts East Carolina on Saturday night.
