Recapping everything Penny Hardaway said about Memphis star PJ Haggerty after Tigers inch past ECU in the clutch

Memphis Tigers coach and former NBA star Penny Hardaway shared kind words for his rising superstar, PJ Haggerty, after the No. 19 Tigers edged East Carolina 74-70 on Saturday.

Haggerty scored 25 points, shooting 7-for-16 from the field and hitting all 10 free throws, including two clutch shots with 9.7 seconds left to secure the win. He also contributed four rebounds, one steal and scored eight points in the final 2:34.

Despite holding double-digit leads in both halves, the Tigers allowed East Carolina to tie the game at 68 with 1:11 remaining. However, Memphis regained control with Haggerty’s free throws and a decisive drive by Tyrese Hunter, sealing the victory.

When asked why he trusted Haggerty with the ball in the clutch moments, Hardaway had high praise for his star player.

"It’s easy to give him the basketball because I’ve seen him do it so many times," Hardaway said. "I trust him for sure that he’s going to make the right play and knock down a tough shot. And he and Tyrese are like best friends, so they kind of work off with one another, which helps us because Tyrese doesn’t get in the funk if PJ’s going and vice versa.

"PJ is, again, the focal point of the other team to try to stop him. He comes out every night and still tries to figure it out. It’s just weird watching it because you know it’s going to happen at some point, no matter what they’re doing, and he continues to knock down big shot after big shot."

Hardaway also highlighted Haggerty’s growth, noting his inclusion on the Wooden Watch List.

"It means a lot because that’s putting Memphis on the map," Hardaway said. "That’s putting us in a position that we’re winning because you’re not going to be on that watch if you’re not winning, and we’re winning and one of the top teams in the country, so that’s all a good sign."

Hardaway, Haggerty and the Tigers will travel to face Temple on Thursday night.

Memphis battles for gritty victory over East Carolina

After a successful season with Tulsa, Haggerty continued his on-court dominance and is now the driving force for No. 20 Memphis this season. He continued his impressive form against the Pirates, logging his 11th game with 20-plus points. Through 16 games, Haggerty is averaging 22.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 48.8% from the field and 45.8% from beyond the arc.

Moreover, senior guard Tyrese Hunter added to Memphis' success with a solid performance, scoring 14 points, along with four rebounds, two assists and a block. This marked his 12th game scoring in double figures this season.

Off the bench, forward Dain Dainja provided valuable contributions, tallying 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a well-rounded effort.

A notable aspect of the game was the strikingly similar statistics for the two teams. While both squads attempted the same number of field goals and free throws, Memphis gained the edge by making one more in each category (25-of-61 from the field and 18-of-23 from the line). From the 3-point range, East Carolina shot 25% (5-for-20), slightly trailing Memphis' 26% (6-for-23).

Memphis led the game in assists (17-10), while East Carolina outperformed in rebounds (40-36), steals (11-9) and blocks (7-6).