A lot has transpired since the last time SMU and Memphis faced each other in January’s thrilling matchup. The Tigers season has taken a drastic turn as they are no longer listed among the teams projected to qualify for an NCAA tournament berth. As for SMU, their season is on the upswing as they continue to emerge as one of the league’s top programs. The Mustangs have accumulated an overall record of 18-7, 9-3 in the conference.
Recently, they have won five straight and are 9-2 at Moody Coliseum this season. Sunday’s matchup is a must-win for both teams, especially for Memphis after losing all momentum of earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament due to the loss against North Texas. For the Tigers to keep their slim tournament hopes alive, they need to start winning immediately, which begins with the Mustangs on Sunday.
They have surrendered all grace awarded to them based on how well they had performed during their out-of-conference slate. The Mustangs present a few challenges that the Tigers have struggled with during their recent skid, such as efficient three-point shooting and the ability to grab offensive rebounds. The Mustangs are converting on 35.4% percent on their three-point attempts and are ranked eighth in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage. However, in the last meeting between SMU and Memphis, the Tigers neutralized the Mustangs’ ability to attack from beyond the arc.
Memphis held SMU to only 14.3% from behind the three-point line. Also, will the Tigers head into Sunday’s matchup with the Mustangs inspired, or have the vacation plans to Cancun started to take effect? Based on how the flow of Thursday’s matchup with North Texas transpired, the Tigers seem unmotivated to place themselves in the best situation possible for an NCAA tournament berth. Head coach Penny Hardaway has stressed that the players are not following through with the game plan presented on how to win their recent slate of matchups in the AAC.
If that’s the case, the Tigers could find themselves on a losing spiral with no hopes of recovering. Their mentality of not being locked in on gameday must change if they want to win in their six games. Winning out or winning the AAC tournament is their only hope of leaving a last impression on the selection committee determining who participates in March Madness this season.
Score Prediction
Whether it’s professional or collegiate athletics, teams seem to rise to the occasion when their backs are against the wall, and the majority of the fanbase checks out on the season. As crazy as it sounds, Memphis leaves Moody Coliseum with a close victory.
Memphis 73, SMU 71
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