BOCA RATON, Florida — In a commanding performance, Tyrese Hunter netted 20 points, and PJ Haggerty contributed 19, leading the No. 21 Memphis Tigers to a decisive 90-62 victory over Florida Atlantic in their American Athletic Conference opener on Thursday evening.
Dain Dainja stepped up with 16 points for Memphis (11-3), which has secured four wins in their last five outings. Colby Rogers and Moussa Cisse, who recorded 11 rebounds and two blocks, each scored 11 points.
The Tigers jumped out to a quick start, establishing a significant lead after a 14-2 run. Back-to-back three-pointers from Hunter and Haggerty sparked the momentum in the early moments of the game.
Rogers extended Memphis’s lead to 79-51 with a three-pointer at the 4:59 mark, which matched the final margin after Cisse helped seal the game with a dunk with just 18 seconds left.
Kaleb Glenn was the top scorer for the Owls (7-7) with 12 points, while Baba Miller chipped in 10 points.
**Insights**
Memphis: The Tigers now find themselves in the AP Top 25 for the third time this season. After being ranked No. 16 in week five, they fell out of the rankings due to a double-digit loss to Arkansas State. Later, they were ranked No. 21 in week seven but dropped from the polls again after losing to Mississippi State by 13 points.
Florida Atlantic: Tre Carroll, who averaged a remarkable 22 points in his last four games, struggled against Memphis, managing only nine points and shooting 3 of 10 from the field.
**Turning Point**
With 4:58 remaining in the first half, the Owls cut the lead to 34-28 thanks to a jumper from Carroll. However, crucial layups from Haggerty and Rogers helped the Tigers regain a comfortable double-digit lead.
**Noteworthy Statistic**
Despite committing 19 turnovers, merely one shy of their season high, Memphis excelled with their shooting, connecting on 10 of 18 attempts from beyond the arc. Hunter was particularly effective, going 4 for 6 from three-point range.
**Next Matches**
Memphis is scheduled to host North Texas on Sunday, while Florida Atlantic will travel to meet East Carolina on the same day.
