Offense meets defense when the SMU Mustangs (14-4, 4-2 AAC) head to Memphis to take on the No. 20 Tigers (14-4, 3-2 AAC). The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
SMU Mustangs vs. Memphis Tigers ATS Prediction
The last time the Mustangs played, they blew out the East Carolina Pirates, 84-64. The Mustangs knocked down 11 of their 15 free throws (73.3 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.689 (above their season average of 0.528). Kendric Davis had a good game for SMU, contributing 15 points, nine assists and five rebounds.
The Tigers were blown out by the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in their last outing, 80-40. One of Tulsa’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They had 25 free throw attempts, while Memphis had just 11. With 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting, Precious Achiuwa led Memphis in scoring.
It will be a battle of opposite paces as the up-and-down Tigers (ranked 26th in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the more methodical Mustangs (282nd in possessions per game). Also, the Mustangs rank seventh in offensive efficiency (113.5), while the Tigers rank third in defensive efficiency (85.5).
After the Tigers won the only game against the Mustangs last season, 83-61, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Tigers had a much better turnover percentage (13.6 vs. 24.4) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.527 vs. 0.448).
SMU Mustangs vs. Memphis Tigers Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Memphis averages 8.7 steals per game, which ranks 26th in the NCAA. SMU ranks 147th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
The Mustangs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, down from 9.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 59.4 points per game (15.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (3.4 above their season average).
