Haggerty Leads No. 16 Memphis Past Louisiana Tech
(Photo credit: Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
PJ Haggerty was a force to be reckoned with, propelling No. 16 Memphis to an 81-71 victory over visiting Louisiana Tech on Wednesday night. Haggerty stuffed the stat sheet with 23 points, seven steals, six assists, and five rebounds, demonstrating his undeniable impact on the game.
Tyrese Hunter provided essential support with 20 points, while Colby Rogers chipped in 13 points for the Tigers (7-1). This win marked a rebound for Memphis, who were looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season against then No. 4 Auburn in the championship game of the Maui Invitational on Nov. 27.
Louisiana Tech (7-2) fought valiantly, led by Al Green’s 18 points, including an impressive 5-for-7 performance from beyond the arc. Sean Newman Jr. orchestrated the Bulldog offense with 13 points and 11 assists, while Daniel Batchco added 12 points. Kaden Cooper and Amaree Abram each contributed 10 points in the effort.
The contest was a back-and-forth affair, featuring five lead changes in the second half alone. Moussa Cisse initiated the scoring after halftime, giving Memphis a 39-38 advantage, but Louisiana Tech refused to go quietly.
Haggerty’s clutch shooting and Hunter’s timely baskets proved crucial down the stretch. After Cooper’s basket trimmed the Tiger lead to one, Haggerty responded with a field goal and a three-pointer, sparking a 7-2 run that put Memphis back in control.
Green attempted to keep Louisiana Tech within striking distance with a three-pointer, but Hunter answered with his own three-pointer, igniting a 7-0 Memphis surge that extended their lead to 61-50.
Undeterred, Louisiana Tech staged a late comeback, with Newman and Abram combining for a 13-2 run that knotted the score at 63 with 7:08 remaining.
Haggerty once again stepped up for Memphis, breaking the tie with two crucial free throws that sparked a 9-0 run. Though Louisiana Tech fought back to within five points, Hunter’s layup and Rogers’ three-pointer with 55 seconds left sealed the victory for Memphis.
The Tigers dominated early, starting the game on a 7-0 run with Haggerty, Hunter, Cisse, and Alex Lomax contributing points. Batchco finally got Louisiana Tech on the board with a layup, followed by Green’s three-pointer that narrowed the gap to two points.
After Memphis extended their lead to seven points, Cooper, Green, and Jordan Crawford responded with three-pointers of their own, putting Louisiana Tech back within striking distance.
The Bulldogs continued to press, eventually taking the lead with an 15-5 run, fueled by Green’s eight consecutive points. This gave them a 35-33 advantage before Haggerty tied the score with two free throws. Abram answered with a three-pointer, but Hunter’s jumper before halftime brought Memphis within 38-37.
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## Interview with Johnny “The Hoops” Hollingsworth
**Host:** Welcome back to Sports RoundUp. Joining me today is legendary college basketball analyst, Johnny “The Hoops” Hollingsworth to talk about Memphis’ big win over Louisiana Tech. Johnny, PJ Haggerty looks like he’s really hit his stride in Memphis.
**Johnny:** He sure has! This kid is a bona fide star in the making. 23 points, 7 steals, 6 assists, AND 5 rebounds? That’s stuffing the stat sheet and then some! He was everywhere on that court Wednesday night. [[1](https://gotigersgo.com/news/2024/6/6/mens-basketball-memphis-lands-national-freshman-of-the-year-top-5-transfer-pj-haggerty)]
**Host:** The Tigers needed a big win after that tough loss to Auburn in Maui. Do you think this game shows they’re back on track?
**Johnny: ** Absolutely. This team has depth and talent. Hunter chipped in 20, Rogers added 13. That’s a sign of a good team - not relying on just one player. They bounced back strong and showed their resilience.
**Host:** Louisiana Tech put up a good fight. What stood out to you about their play?
**Johnny:** Definitely Al Green’s shooting. 5 for 7 from three-point range is impressive. He kept them in the game. And Sean Newman Jr. dished out 11 assists! Their offense was clicking, but Memphis’ defense proved too tough in the end.
**Host:** Looking ahead, what are your predictions for Memphis this season?
**Johnny:** With Haggerty leading the charge, and the rest of the team showing their potential, I think Memphis will be a force to be reckoned with. They have the talent to make a deep run in the tournament.
**Host:** We’ll have to keep an eye on them. Thanks for your insight, Johnny.
**Johnny:** My pleasure. Tune in next time!