PJ Haggerty scored 18 points, Tyrese Hunter added 15 points and No. 18 Memphis used a strong first half to set the tone in a 77-68 win over Charlotte on Sunday.

PJ Haggerty, Memphis’ superstar guard, has emerged as an All-American candidate and dark-horse National Player of the Year contender. Now, his big plays could directly help him earn a few extra dollars.

The Tigers’ toughness showed up early against the 49ers, as they won the first-half rebounding battle by eight and limited Charlotte to just 3 second-chance points before halftime. Memphis wound up winning the rebounding battle 42-28.

Memphis basketball was facing a gut-check game Sunday against Charlotte at Halton Arena. And the Tigers passed the test with a 77-68 win.