Tigers Get Revenge on Temple Despite Hunter’s Absence

In a compelling display of resilience, the No. 17 Memphis Tigers secured a 90-82 victory over the Temple Owls on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at FedExForum in Memphis. This win not only avenged their earlier loss to Temple but also highlighted the team’s depth and adaptability in the absence of key player Tyrese Hunter.

Overcoming Adversity

Just 20 minutes before tipoff, it was announced that starting point guard Tyrese Hunter would be sidelined due to a knee injury that has been a recurring issue throughout the season. Head coach Penny Hardaway described Hunter’s condition as “day-to-day” and expressed hope for his swift return.

In Hunter’s absence, Virginia transfer Dante Harris was called upon to make his first start for the Tigers. Harris rose to the occasion, contributing a season-high 14 points and providing steady leadership on the court.

Balanced Offensive Attack

The Tigers showcased a balanced offensive performance, with five players scoring in double figures. Sophomore guard PJ Haggerty led the team with 20 points and seven assists, while forward Dain Dainja added 18 points and eight rebounds. Nicholas Jourdain and Moussa Cisse contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, underscoring the team’s depth.

Memphis demonstrated efficiency from the field, shooting 56.1% overall and 42.1% from three-point range. This offensive prowess was instrumental in overcoming a resilient Temple squad.

Temple’s Valiant Effort

Despite missing their leading scorer, Jamal Mashburn Jr., due to a foot injury, the Owls put forth a commendable effort. Aiden Tobiason stepped up significantly, scoring 18 points—well above his season average of 3.4 points per game. Steve Settle and Quante Berry added 17 and 16 points, respectively.

Temple’s accuracy from beyond the arc, hitting 11 of 22 three-point attempts, kept them competitive throughout the game. However, Memphis’s defensive adjustments in the second half limited the Owls’ opportunities and secured the win.

Game Flow

The first half was tightly contested, featuring multiple lead changes and ending in a 35-35 tie. Both teams struggled with turnovers, each committing 11 before halftime. In the second half, Memphis seized control with a decisive 8-2 run, establishing a 79-64 lead with just over four minutes remaining. Despite a late surge by Temple, the Tigers maintained their composure and sealed the victory.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Memphis improved to 20-4 overall and 10-1 in the American Athletic Conference, extending their lead over UAB. The Tigers will look to build on this momentum as they approach the final stretch of the regular season, aiming to secure a favorable position in the upcoming conference tournament.

This victory not only avenges their earlier loss to Temple but also underscores the team’s resilience and depth, qualities that will be crucial as they pursue their postseason aspirations.