No. 22 Memphis strengthened its grip on the top spot in the American Athletic Conference with a dominant second-half performance, pulling away from Florida Atlantic for an 84-65 win on Sunday. Led by Dain Dainja’s 22-point, 11-rebound effort and a matching 22-point performance from PJ Haggerty, the Tigers (22-5, 12-2 AAC) extended their strong run, having now won nine of their last ten games.
Colby Rogers added 15 points for Memphis, which used a pair of decisive scoring runs to seize control. Florida Atlantic (15-12, 8-6 AAC), which had entered the game on a five-game winning streak before dropping two straight, was led by Tre Carroll’s 20 points and seven rebounds. Kaleb Glenn contributed 15 points, while Leland Walker finished with 14.
Memphis, which had defeated Florida Atlantic 90-62 in the conference opener on Jan. 2, found itself in early trouble on Sunday. The Owls controlled much of the first half before a crucial 14-0 Tigers run, fueled by offensive rebounding, turned the tide.
In the second half, Memphis put the game out of reach with another dominant stretch, a 12-0 run that built an insurmountable lead. The Tigers’ ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and their defensive pressure overwhelmed FAU.
The Owls had been surging with five straight wins earlier this month but have now suffered back-to-back losses. Poor free-throw shooting (5-for-18, 28%) played a major role in the loss. Memphis’ runs proved too much to overcome despite FAU holding an early lead.
After an overtime loss at Wichita State last week dropped them eight spots in the AP Top 25 poll, the Tigers responded in a big way. Offensive rebounding and timely scoring runs proved to be the difference. Dainja and Haggerty’s strong performances led Memphis to another conference victory.
Florida Atlantic, typically a 71% free-throw shooting team, struggled mightily, hitting just 28% (5-for-18). A 14-0 run in the first half and a 12-0 surge in the second half decided the game.
Both teams return home for their next games on Wednesday. Florida Atlantic will host North Texas, while Memphis welcomes Rice as the Tigers continue their push toward an AAC title.
