Memphis University Triumphs Over Rice in Basketball Showdown

News Summary

The University of Memphis men’s basketball team secured a thrilling 86-83 victory over Rice on February 2, 2025. The match showcased offensive brilliance with standout performances from PJ Haggerty, who scored 26 points, and PJ Carter, who contributed 19 points. Memphis leapfrogged to an early lead, fought off a Rice comeback, and sealed their win with critical late-game plays. With this victory, Memphis improves to an 18-4 record, continuing to dominate in their conference.

Memphis Triumphs in a Thrilling Basketball Showdown Against Rice

Houston, Texas – The atmosphere was electric on February 2, 2025, as the University of Memphis men’s basketball team, ranked No. 19, faced off against the Rice Owls in a nail-biter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In a high-scoring clash, the Tigers emerged victorious with an 86-83 win, marking another milestone in their impressive season.

Offensive Powerhouse Performance

With a shooting percentage of 55.0 percent from the field, the Memphis Tigers showed they meant business from the get-go. Early in the game, they were on fire, making 14 of their first 19 shot attempts. Sophomore guard PJ Haggerty was the standout performer, racking up an impressive 26 points, while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out five assists. Haggerty played a staggering 38 minutes on the court, fueled not only by his drive to win but also by the presence of more than 80 family and friends cheering him on.

Not to be outdone, fifth-year guard PJ Carter came off the bench to score a season-high 19 points, showcasing his sharpshooting skills by sinking five out of seven attempts from beyond the arc. Redshirt senior guard Tyrese Hunter also contributed significantly with 19 points, four rebounds, and five assists, making it a well-rounded team effort.

Strong Start, Sweet Comeback

Memphis jumpstarted the game with a commanding lead of 28-18, thanks to Haggerty’s early contributions along with Carter’s quick three-pointers. However, the Owls were not going down without a fight. Following a stellar 11-0 run by Rice, the momentum shifted, allowing them to briefly take the lead.

Not phased, the Tigers maintained their composure, heading into halftime with a 44-39 lead. They shot an impressive 63.0 percent in the first half, displaying their offensive prowess and determination.

Thrilling Finale

As the second half unfolded, Memphis capitalized on their strong start, leading by as many as nine points. Yet the game was far from settled, as Rice mounted a comeback that brought them within one point with just 12 seconds left on the clock. With tension rising, PJ Carter showcased his poise by sinking two crucial free throws with only 4.2 seconds remaining, stretching the lead to three points.

To further secure the victory, Carter made a pivotal defensive play, stripping the ball from an opposing player just as the final buzzer sounded, sealing the Tigers’ win. Rice, despite their strong efforts, was left to grapple with their seventh consecutive defeat, as Trae Broadnax led their scoring efforts with 19 points and six assists.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Memphis improves their overall record to 18-4 and continues to shine in conference play with a commendable 8-1 record. Looking ahead, they are set to take on Tulsa at home on February 5, followed by a rematch against Temple scheduled for Super Bowl Sunday. The excitement around the Memphis basketball team is certainly building, and fans can’t wait to see what the remaining games have in store!

Stay tuned for more exhilarating moments as the Tigers pursue their goals this season!

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Additional Resources

• Memphis Tigers News
• Google Search: Memphis basketball
• Memphis Holds On to Beat Rice
• Wikipedia: Memphis Tigers men’s basketball
• Houston Chronicle: Rice Owls vs. Memphis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
• Mean Green Sports: Rice Beaten by Memphis
• Google News: Rice basketball