Memphis' PJ Haggerty (4) shoots the ball during the game between Arkansas State University and the University of Memphis at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Memphis men's basketball falls for second time in three games

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Dec 8, 2024 5:58 PM ET

A poor shooting performance led No. 16 Memphis to an 85-72 loss to Arkansas State on Sunday, its second loss in its last three games.

Memphis dropped its Maui Invitational Championship game to Auburn on Nov. 27 before bouncing back with a victory of Louisiana Tech on Dec. 4. The Tigers' loss to Arkansas State puts their record at 7-2.

ARKANSAS STATE UPSETS NO. 16 MEMPHIS

This is Arky State's first ranked win since 1985 pic.twitter.com/yx0gbIrtXL
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) December 8, 2024

Memphis shot just 35.6% from the field, including 31.8% from beyond the arc. Arkansas State finished 36.6% overall and 33.3% from three-point range.

Arkansas State was led by Joseph Pinion, who scored 22 points and collected eight rebounds. Taryn Todd scored 17 points, and Dyondre Dominguez contributed with 19 points and five rebounds off the bench.

The star of the night for Memphis was undoubtedly PJ Haggerty, who finished the game with 29 points, three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Dain Dainja had 16 points and 12 rebounds off the bench, good for his first double-double of the season.

Memphis is only running through PJ Haggerty right now and it’s showing
pic.twitter.com/DyGGfoPrXR
— Isaac Bourne (@IsaacBourne_) December 8, 2024

Memphis will need to regroup quickly, as its next two matchups are on the road at Clemson (9-1) and at Virginia (5-4).

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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