Offense meets defense when the SMU Mustangs (18-8, 8-6 AAC) welcome the Memphis Tigers (19-8, 8-6 AAC) to Moody Coliseum. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Memphis Tigers at SMU Mustangs Betting Prediction
In the Tigers’ last matchup, they beat the No. 22 Houston Cougars, 60-59. Getting to the free throw line was one of Memphis’ biggest advantages. They had 30 free throw attempts, 18 more than Houston. Memphis rallied around Precious Achiuwa, who finished with 10 points and six rebounds.
The Mustangs were blown out by the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in their last contest, 79-57. Tulsa was effective at getting and making free throws. The Golden Hurricane made 22 of their 26 free throws (84.6 percent), while the Mustangs were just 7-10 (70.0 percent). Tyson Jolly had a solid performance for SMU, leading the team in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Kendric Davis scored a game-high 20 points in the first matchup, in which the Mustangs defeated the Tigers 74-70. He also had five assists. SMU had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.4 vs. 21.4). Memphis, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (15.8 vs. 17.0).
This showdown pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. SMU currently ranks 24th in offensive efficiency and Memphis is eighth in defensive efficiency. This contest should be a matchup of opposite paces. The fast-paced Tigers rank 35th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Mustangs rank 268th.
Memphis vs. SMU Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Memphis, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
SMU ranks 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Memphis ranks 201st (36.3).
The Mustangs rank 68th in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while the Tigers rank 227th (19.6).
Memphis ranks 30th in steals per game (8.1) while SMU ranks 177th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
The Tigers average 14.0 assists per game, which ranks 81st in the country. The Mustangs rank 228th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
Memphis ranks fourth in blocks per game (6.1) while SMU ranks 126th (3.1).
The Tigers have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Memphis has defeated opponents by an average of 8.0 points.
During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (0.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.6 points per game (10.9 above their season average).
