PJ Haggerty scored 27 points to lead No. 21 Memphis over a stubborn North Texas 68-64. Haggerty was 11 of 14 from the field, including hitting his first seven shots in the game.

The Tigers (12-3, 2-0 AAC) — ranked 25th in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll and No. 21 in the Associated Press Top 25 — had to fend off a scrappy Mean Green team (10-4, 1-1), one that went into the game ranked higher in the NCAA’s NET ratings than any team in the conference besides Memphis.

Get the latest North Texas vs Memphis predictions ahead of Sunday's AAC showdown. Free college basketball picks for January 5.

As Memphis headed into the new year, coach Penny Hardaway made it clear that the No. 21 Tigers could not coast through the American Athletic Conference. They could not relax.

Predictions, picks and odds as Memphis faces North Texas this college basketball season. Plus, injury updates and latest news

It’s time to continue our College Basketball odds series with a North Texas-Memphis prediction and pick. Find out how to watch North Texas-Memphis. The last game on the Sunday college hoops schedule is this one.

Memphis’ game versus North Texas — a Quad 3 opportunity — is the final matchup the Tigers have on their schedule against an opponent in the top 100 of the NET or KenPom.

PJ Haggerty made his first seven shots on his way to a game-high 27 points, Dain Dainja added 14 and No. 21 Memphis held off a feisty North Texas squad

Memphis basketball star PJ Haggerty puts up the points and has the right timing, something he exhibited in a 27-point outing against North Texas.

The 6-foot-3 guard is 5th in the nation in scoring and helping Memphis inch their way up the national rankings.