Key Players and Their Contributions
PJ Haggerty emerged as a key figure, scoring 23 points to lead the way. Tyrese Hunter also played a crucial role, contributing 20 points and making a 3-pointer with 3:53 to play that put the Tigers up 72-63. His jumper in the paint with 1:12 left provided some much-needed breathing room. Colby Rogers added 13 points for Memphis.
On the other side, five Bulldogs scored in double figures, with Al Green leading the way with 18 points. Louisiana Tech found its stroke beyond the arc early in the first half, finishing the game 13-of-23 from downtown.
Rebounding and Turnovers
Memphis dominated the rebounding battle, holding a 39-25 advantage, with a significant 17-5 advantage in offensive boards. This dominance on the boards gave them multiple second-chance opportunities and helped them control the tempo of the game.
The Tigers also forced 20 Louisiana Tech turnovers, capitalizing on their opponents' mistakes and converting them into scoring opportunities. This aggressive defense played a crucial role in securing the victory.
Post-Maui Invitational Scare and Homecoming
After the post-Maui Invitational scare, the 15th-ranked Tigers (7-1) showed their resilience and determination. They are now back home on Sunday (3 p.m., ESPN+) to face Arkansas State.
Watch Memphis basketball vs Louisiana Tech live on ESPN+ (subscribe today) and stay updated with the score through Memphis basketball vs Louisiana Tech score updates.
Halftime Struggle and Early Pressure
In the first half, the Tigers jumped out to a 7-0 lead but Louisiana Tech caught fire and carried a 38-37 lead into halftime. The visitors were especially hot at the 3-point line, going 8-of-13 in the first half.
However, Memphis coach Penny Hardaway pressured Louisiana Tech early, forcing five turnovers in the first 2:01 of the game. The Tigers took advantage of these turnovers and built a 7-0 lead before the Bulldogs got on the board.
Officials and Starting Lineups
Terry Oglesby, Byron Jarrett, and Michael Roberts will referee the Tigers-Bulldogs game. Oglesby worked the Final Four earlier this year.
Penny Hardaway is sticking with the same starting lineup as he has in the past few games: Tyrese Hunter, PJ Haggerty, Colby Rogers, Nicholas Jourdain, and Moussa Cisse. Louisiana Tech will counter with Sean Newman Jr., Amaree Abram, Daniel Batcho, Devin Ree, and Kaden Cooper.
Game Details and Predictions
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 4; Time: 7 p.m. CT; Location: FedExForum.
The Tigers are the deeper, more athletic, and more talented team, with wire-to-wire win potential. Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Tuesday show: Spread: Memphis -10.5; Over/under: 148.5; Moneyline: Memphis -500, Louisiana Tech +375.
Injury Updates
Tigers guards Tyrese Hunter, PJ Haggerty, and Colby Rogers have each been dealing with various knee or leg ailments. But all three have played through the issues, and the expectation is that they will all play Wednesday.
Louisiana Tech big man Will Jeffress (Pitt transfer) is out for the season with a knee injury.
Upcoming Schedule
Dec. 8: vs. Arkansas State (3 p.m., ESPNU, FedExForum); Dec. 14: at Clemson (10 a.m., ESPN2, Littlejohn Coliseum); Dec. 18: at Virginia (6 p.m., ESPN2, John Paul Jones Arena); Dec. 21: vs. Mississippi State (11:30 a.m., CBS, FedExForum); Dec. 28: vs. Ole Miss (1 p.m., ESPN2, FedExForum).
La Tech basketball upcoming schedule: All times central. Dec. 8: at Louisiana (3:30 p.m., ESPN+); Dec. 13: vs. Georgia Southern (6:30 p.m., ESPN+); Dec. 16: vs. Grand Canyon (6:30 p.m., ESPN+); Dec. 21: vs. Rust (3 p.m., ESPN+); Jan. 2: at UTEP (8 p.m., ESPN+).
Stay updated with Memphis basketball news by reaching sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.