SMU can close a nearly perfect campaign in the American Athletic Conference when they host Memphis on Saturday afternoon. The Mustangs have won 12 consecutive since dropping a close contest at Cincinnati, a team that's just one game back in the standings. The Tigers were able to halt a four-game losing skid by taking down Tulane in their previous game. SMU has won five straight meetings against Memphis, including a 58-54 victory back on December 27th. Tipoff is set for 4:00 PM Eastern time and the game can be seen on ESPN2, WatchESPN, and the ESPN mobile app.
Memphis (19-11, 9-8 AAC)
It's been a rough go for the Tigers recently with five losses in their last seven games. The only games in which they've been able to get wins are against the weaker opponents in the conference. The most recent was a 92-70 beatdown of Tulane, a team that's just 2-15 in conference play. Memphis was already a longshot on the bubble before the losing skid, and now they're completely out of the conversation.
Freshman guard K.J. Lawson (12.6 ppg, 8.3 rpg) has been a beast in recent action. He's scored 13 or more points in the past three games. He struggled from the field against Tulane, but made up for it by hitting 8-of-11 free throws.
No. 14 SMU (26-4, 16-1 AAC)
With a victory today, the Mustangs would be just three points away from an undefeated AAC season, which is pretty remarkable.
Still, they have to be satisfied with the recent ESPN projections showing them as a 5 seed in the West region. Winning the conference tournament would likely boost them into one of the coveted top 4 seed lines.
While the story is mostly about their defense holding opponents to just 59.3 points per game (3rd nationally), they have some talented offensive stars.
Sophomore guard Shake Milton (13.4 ppg, 4.5 apg) recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists last time out. His passing ratio was +9 against just one turnover. Leading scorer Semi Ojeleye (18.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg) has scored 22 or more points in two of his last three games.
SMU is a massive 14.5-point favorite at home with an O/U set at 136.5 points. They're 19-5-1 against the spread this season and they have an undefeated straight-up record at home (17-0).
