In Memphis, Tennessee, Dain Dainja delivered a stellar performance scoring a career-high 25 points, alongside grabbing 10 rebounds, leading No. 18 Memphis to an 84-72 victory over Rice on Wednesday night. The Tigers secured their win with a decisive 10-0 run late in the game.
PJ Haggerty contributed significantly with 21 points for the Tigers (23-5, 13-2 American Athletic Conference), while Nicholas Jourdan also had an impressive game with 19 points and nine rebounds. This win marks Memphis’ 10th victory in their last 11 games.
For Rice (13-16, 4-12), Caden Powell stood out by scoring 19 points and securing seven rebounds. Other notable performances for Rice included Denver Anglin with 14 points and Andrew Akuchie with 12.
Memphis maintains its lead in the AAC standings, sitting 1 1/2 games ahead of North Texas and UAB. The latter two teams are scheduled to play on Thursday night, with North Texas taking on Florida Atlantic, and UAB facing Wichita State.
Despite Rice coming into the game with 11 losses in their last 13 matches, they’ve typically kept games close, with an average defeat margin of just 4.3 points. Only one of those previous losses was by double digits, highlighting their competitive spirit.
Memphis found itself in a tough battle with Rice until the closing moments. With just under four minutes left, Rice’s Kellen Amos assisted Caden Powell for a dunk, leveling the score at 70. Memphis responded forcefully with a 10-0 scoring burst, featuring critical plays by Haggerty and Dainja. Dainja was particularly influential in the second half, scoring 18 points and effectively defending, evidenced by two blocks during a single Rice possession in this crucial stretch.
The shooting from beyond the arc was a struggle for both teams. Memphis managed just one successful three-pointer out of seven attempts during the first half, which allowed Rice to remain competitive. Overall, Memphis completed the game going 2-for-13 from three-point range, whereas Rice made 5 out of their 21 attempts.
Looking ahead, both teams will have away games on Sunday. Rice is set to face off against UTSA, while the Memphis Tigers will go up against UAB.
