MEMPHIS — East Carolina came from 18 points down to tie its American Athletic Conference contest at Memphis at 68 on Saturday before the No. 19 Tigers pulled out a 74-70 win at the FedEx Forum.

Pirates coach Mike Schwartz cited 18 turnovers as ECU slipped to 9-8 overall and 1-3 in the AAC.

“When we didn’t turn the ball over, we scored at a very high rate,” said Schwartz on the Pirate radio network. ” … When you turn the ball over and give up possessions in this building, … those are the plays that get them going.”

P.J. Haggerty had 19 of his game-high 25 points in the second half for Memphis (13-3, 3-0 AAC).

Haggerty had eight points in the last 2:35.

ECU tied the score at 68 with 1:11 remaining on a 3-point play by C.J. Walker, who led the Pirates with 23 points. Haggerty dropped two free throws with 1:01 to go to put the Tigers ahead to stay.

R,J. Felton had 20 points and 13 rebounds for ECU, which trailed, 27-9. with 5:41 left in the first half.

Walker had seven rebounds as ECU led, 39-34, on the boards.

Cam Hayes and Jayshayne Woodard each had nine points for the Pirates, who had a shortened rotation because several players were sick and did not make the trip. Jordan Riley had seven points. Hayes had four assists.

Colby Rogers had 14 points for Memphis and Dain Dainja added 10 points.

The Pirates return home to take on North Texas (11-4, 2-1 AAC) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The game will be shown on ESPN+.