Game Preview: Memphis Tigers vs SMU Mustangs

The Memphis Tigers are rolling right now as they have won three games in a row defeating Temple, Wichita State and Cincinnati to get within one game of first place in the AAC standings. Meanwhile, SMU is going in the opposite direction as they have lost three games in a row and are one game ahead of last place in the AAC standings. ESPN Analytics has given the Tigers a 93.5 percent chance to win.

DeAndre Williams continued his trend in the right direction after averaging 25 points per game and 10.6 rebounds per game in the last three games. He has avoided fouling out and has been out of foul trouble in general, as he has averaged just three fouls per game over that stretch. His performance last week earned him the AAC Player of the Week honors.

Along with Williams performing at an elite level, Memphis has also gotten really solid play from Keonte Kennedy. He is averaging 11.5 points per game in the past two games while shooting an impressive 60 percent from behind the arc. Meanwhile, Kendric Davis continues to lead the charge as he has scored at least 20 points in all but one conference game and continues to lead the team in assists.

This season has been a tough one for the SMU Mustangs as it is their first season without Kendric Davis leading them since the 2018-2019 season. As many may remember, Kendric Davis transferred to Memphis from SMU after Tim Jankovich retired. The Mustangs are now led by coach Rob Lanier.

On the court, the Mustangs are led by sophomore guard Zhuric Phelps and senior guard Zach Nutall. Phelps averages 16.9 points and 2.6 assists per game and Nutall averages 13.9 points and 2.7 assists per game. As I stated earlier, the Mustangs come into the FedExForum on a three-game losing streak and they are currently ranked 210 in the NET rankings making this a Quad 4 game for the Tigers.

The Prediction:

The Memphis Tigers have won 15 straight games at home and I expect that to continue against a struggling SMU squad. This would not necessarily qualify as a revenge game for Kendric Davis as the staff he played for is gone, but he will be playing against former teammates and that always makes for an intriguing secondary storyline to follow.

Memphis 80, SMU 67

Matchup: Memphis Tigers (15-5, 5-2 in AAC) vs. SMU Mustangs (7-13, 2-5 in AAC)

Date/Time: Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 / 6:00 PM CST

Location: FedExForum, Memphis, TN

TV/Stream/Radio: ESPN 2 / 98.9 THE ROAR OF MEMPHIS