LAS VEGAS — The Memphis basketball team will try to reverse what has become a trend when it tips off against UNLV on Saturday.
In the Tigers’ second exhibition game against Alabama, they trailed by 20 points at halftime. In the season opener on Monday, Penny Hardaway’s team was behind by 10 at the break against Missouri.
“I think (in) the first half, they just came out more aggressive than us,” Memphis guard PJ Haggerty said after Monday’s win. “(Missouri was) hitting shots, playing good defense. But I think in the second half, we figured them out. We were able to get the lead and keep the lead.”
Haggerty, in particular, was feast or famine by halves in those games. He scored 28 of his 32 points in the second half versus the Crimson Tide, then dropped 22 of his 25 against Missouri after halftime.
“I hope sooner than later that it picks up earlier than in the second half,” Hardaway said with a smile Monday.
Watch Memphis vs UNLV live on Fubo (free trial) (subscribe today)
This section will be updated when the game begins.
TV channel: Mountain West Network
Streaming: Mountain West app on Roku/Apple TV/YouTube TV/themw.com
Radio: 98.9-FM The Roar (Jeff Brightwell, play-by-play; Matt Dillon, color analyst)
Memphis vs. UNLV will be televised on the Mountain West Network. Streaming options for the game include the Mountain West Network app on Roku.
PJ Haggerty has given the Tigers a dependable go-to option in crunch time. UNLV will join the list of teams that struggle to contain him. Which team’s big man (UNLV’s Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry or Memphis’ Dain Dainja/Moussa Cisse) wins the battle of the frontcourt will go a long way toward determining the outcome. Expect the Tigers to come out on top.
Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Friday, Nov. 8:
The Tigers are expected to be in good shape injury-wise, as are the Runnin’ Rebels.
Dedan “D.J.” Thomas Jr. played 30 minutes in UNLV’s season opener against Alabama State, despite his coach saying last week that he would miss the first game because of an injured ankle. All indications are Thomas will play Saturday.
Tipoff times not yet set (unless otherwise noted)
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Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or follow him @munzly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.
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