FORT WORTH, Texas — PJ Haggerty emerged as a crucial performer, sinking eight free throws and pulling off a key turnover in the final moments to help 16th-ranked Memphis narrowly overcome Tulane 78-77 on Saturday, thus securing their place in the American Athletic Conference Tournament championship game.
Haggerty, distinguished as the AAC player of the year, propelled the Tigers (28-5) ahead for good, delivering two clutch free throws that put them up 72-71 with just 40 seconds remaining. His contribution was substantial as he ended the game with 18 points, maintaining a flawless 14 for 14 at the line, although managing just 2 of 13 from the field, even after an impressive 42-point performance the previous day that had tied an AAC tournament record.
Dain Dainja contributed significantly with 23 points and 11 rebounds for Memphis, and Moussa Cisse added to the team’s efforts with 10 points and 11 boards.
On the side of Tulane (19-14), Rowan Brumbaugh scored 22 points, leading five of their players who managed to achieve double figures in scoring.
Post Haggerty’s lead-securing free throws, an attempt by Brumbaugh to drive for a layup was thwarted when the shot was pinned against the backboard by Cisse. Initially judged as interference with the basket being counted, this ruling was reversed after an extensive review. Tulane retained possession with 26 seconds on the clock, but Haggerty skillfully stripped the ball from Brumbaugh, dived to retrieve it, and called a timeout. He subsequently scored six more free throws to consolidate the win.
Brumbaugh managed a tri-point basket right at the buzzer.
For Tulane, Kam Williams added 16 points, while Asher Woods contributed 15.
Takeaways:
Tulane: Facing another setback, the Green Wave moved to 0-4 in AAC semifinal games.
Memphis: The Tigers had to finish the final 15 minutes without Tyrese Hunter, a pivotal defender, who was benched, left foot in a boot. Having secured the regular-season title for the first time, they seek to add a second AAC tournament victory after winning their only title last year.
Key moment:
Haggerty’s decisive play was crucial when he recovered possession following the lengthy review that annulled Tulane’s potential lead-changing basket.
Key stat:
The game’s tightness was exacerbated by Memphis players, aside from Haggerty, going just 9 for 24 on free throws. Dainja notably struggled, making only 3 of 13.
Up next:
Memphis will face UAB on Sunday for the AAC Tournament title, one of the last games before the NCAA Tournament field announcement. Regardless of the tournament’s automatic bid, the Tigers are expected to qualify for the 68-team field.
