PJ Haggerty sets AAC tournament record with 42 points for Memphis

In Forth Worth, Texas, PJ Haggerty had an outstanding performance, scoring a remarkable 42 points for the 16th-ranked Memphis Tigers in their 83-80 victory over Wichita State during the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) tournament. This game took place on a Friday, marking a crucial aspect of Memphis' tournament journey, as Haggerty's efforts not only led the team to victory but also made history, matching the highest-scoring game in AAC tournament history. Haggerty's impressive scoring began after halftime, where he demonstrated his skills by leading a 12-0 run that shifted the momentum in favor of Memphis. Haggerty's performance was recognized as he had just been named the AAC Player of the Year, following his remarkable achievements as the top freshman the previous season. This victory was essential for the Tigers as they looked to secure a strong position heading into the NCAA Tournament, showing resilience after losing to Wichita State the previous year. This year, their win came on a backdrop of the team having lost only once in the last 15 games, showcasing a surge of performance as the tournament progressed. Following this triumph, Memphis faced Tulane in the semifinals. This match was tightly contested, with Haggerty contributing significantly again, scoring 18 points while ensuring that critical plays were made in the final minutes of the game. His final free throws secured the lead and helped the Tigers win 78-77. With this victory over Tulane, Memphis advanced to the AAC Tournament championship game, and their deep run in the tournament further solidified their likelihood of being included in the NCAA Tournament field. Overall, Haggerty's accomplishments highlight not only his personal growth as a player but also the collective potential of the Memphis basketball program, as they aimed for their third NCAA tournament appearance in four years and the hope of clinching an AAC tournament title.