Memphis University Basketball Team Triumphs Over Rice Owls

News Summary

The Memphis Tigers secured a thrilling 86-83 victory against the Rice Owls, propelled by PJ Carter’s clutch free throws. This win marks their fifth consecutive victory and strengthens their position in the AAC with a record of 18-4. Coach Penny Hardaway praised Carter’s performance, while PJ Haggerty and Tyrese Hunter also contributed significantly to the team’s success. The Owls faced their seventh consecutive loss, struggling to capitalize on Memphis’ turnovers. Looking ahead, the Tigers are set to face Tulsa as they aim to maintain their winning momentum.

Memphis University Basketball Team Secures Narrow Victory Over Rice, Led by PJ Carter’s Late Game Heroics

Memphis Roars to Glory!

In an electrifying NCAA basketball game, the Memphis Tigers have triumphed once again! They edged out the Rice Owls with a thrilling score of 86-83, marking their fifth consecutive victory. The tension was palpable at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston, Texas, on February 2, 2025, as the Tigers improved their record to an impressive 18-4 and solidified their position as a powerful force in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), boasting an 8-1 record.

The Unsung Hero

While the team has many stars shining bright, it was *PJ Carter* who emerged as the unexpected hero this time around. Despite seeing limited playing time this season, Carter took on the challenge when it mattered the most. His scoreboard contributions included 19 points, but what took the spotlight were the two ice-cold free throws he made with just 4.2 seconds remaining in the game. Those crucial throws not only sealed the deal for the Tigers but also kept their dreams of a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament alive and well.

The Pressure’s On

The stakes were enormous for Memphis, as anything less than a win could lead to a dreaded Quadrant 3 loss, which would significantly jeopardize their postseason aspirations. But under pressure, the Tigers delivered, showcasing their determination and grit in front of their loyal fans.

Penny’s Proud Moment

Coach Penny Hardaway couldn’t have been more proud of his team. He highlighted Carter’s incredible talent, referring to him as an *“unbelievable weapon”* who thrives in the biggest moments. Having someone like Carter come off the bench and deliver under such pressure is an invaluable asset for the Tigers as they gear up for the rest of the season.

Top Scorers Shine

Accompanying Carter in the highlight reel were other standout players. *PJ Haggerty* led the charge with a remarkable 26 points, showing resilience after a lackluster outing against Tulane. Additionally, *Tyrese Hunter* stepped up significantly, adding another 19 points and showcasing the team’s depth in scoring options. This trio has become a formidable force for the Tigers, certainly keeping rival teams on their toes.

Rice’s Tough Times

Over on the other side, the Rice Owls found themselves in a tough spot yet again, suffering their seventh consecutive loss. Their leading scorer, *Trae Broadnax*, matched Carter by contributing 19 points, but it simply wasn’t enough to turn the tide. Rice’s struggles were evident, especially as they capitalized on Memphis’ *16 turnovers* during the match.

Holding the Lead

Despite the challenges, Memphis maintained a slender lead of 44-39 at halftime, thanks to a solid performance. However, they faced their own battles with foul trouble that kept things interesting for the fans in attendance. With so much at stake, it was a nail-biter from start to finish, but the Tigers hung on tight to secure the victory.

Looking Ahead

Next up for the Memphis Tigers is a showdown against Tulsa at the iconic *FedExForum*. With this win, they have certainly positioned themselves in an excellent spot for the upcoming games and prime themselves for postseason action. With momentum on their side, fans are buzzing with excitement and eagerly awaiting what their team will bring to the court next. Will the Tigers continue their winning streak? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: they are definitely one to watch!

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Additional Resources

• Daily Memphian: PJ Carter’s Weapon
• Wikipedia: Memphis Tigers Basketball
• Commercial Appeal: Memphis vs. Rice Score Updates
• Google Search: Memphis Tigers Basketball
• Daily Memphian: Memphis vs. Rice Preview
• Google Scholar: NCAA Basketball
• Commercial Appeal: Memphis Basketball vs. Tulsa
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball