by Don Mooney 3-7-2025
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis men’s basketball team claimed the outright American Athletic Conference regular season title Friday night, defeating reigning conference champion South Florida, 84-68, in front of 14,916 energized, celebratory fans inside FedExForum.
Senior Moussa Cisse was an imposing presence in the paint. photo by Don Mooney
The win marked the program’s first regular season title since taking the C-USA crown in 2012-13. Memphis (26-5, 16-2 AAC) improved to 3-0 on the season when being tied at the half after heading to the locker room in a 35-35 deadlock. Haggerty, Dainja and Tyrese Hunter combined for 37 second-half points to help the Tigers pull away late and secure the Senior Day win.
Redshirt senior Colby Rogers firing three-pointer against South Florida. photo by Don Mooney
Dainja and Hunter were two of five seniors honored pregame, along with Colby Rogers. Nicholas Jourdain and Moussa Cisse. Rogers scored seven points on the night, followed by Cisse’s six points and eight rebounds while Jourdain chipped in four points and a team-high nine boards.
The Tigers shot 52.5 percent from the floor and 40 percent from beyond the arc as they knocked down 10 triples on the night. Memphis dominated the glass as the Tigers out-rebounded the Bulls, 43-30, and scored 19 second-chance points to the Bulls’ eight.
Sophmore guard Baraka Okojie kept Bulls busy by attacking paint. photo by Don Mooney
Haggerty and Dainja each scored a game-high 20 points to lead Memphis offensively, followed by Hunter who chipped in 16 points. Haggerty added eight rebounds and five assists while Dainja pulled down six boards.
Senior guard Tyrese Hunter drains two of his 18 pts helping Memphis seal conference title. photo by Don Mooney
South Florida (13-18, 6-12) was led by Jayden Reed’s 20 points, while Brandon Stroud grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds. Teams will be mixed and matched for revenge in Ft. Worth for AAC tournament play.