The nation’s top shooting defense will be at home in FedExForum, when the 20th-ranked Memphis Tigers (14-4, 3-2 AAC) go head-to-head with the SMU Mustangs (14-4, 4-2 AAC). Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, 2020, and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
SMU Mustangs at Memphis Tigers ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Tigers lost big to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 80-40, while the Mustangs won big over the East Carolina Pirates, 84-64.
SMU played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.208 (below their season average of 0.245) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.689 (above their season average of 0.528). For those same stats, East Carolina was 0.117 and 0.475, respectively. Memphis, meanwhile, held Tulsa to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.3 (below their season average of 28.3). Precious Achiuwa played well for Memphis, finishing with 10 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, SMU was led by Kendric Davis, who finished with 15 points, nine assists and five rebounds.
The Tigers won the only contest between these two teams last year, 83-61. The Tigers’ 13.6 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Mustangs, who had a mark of 24.4. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
It will be a battle of contrasting tempos as the up-tempo Tigers (ranked 26th in the nation in possessions per game) will look to push the more grind-it-out 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).
SMU vs. Memphis Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – SMU, ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Memphis averages 14.6 assists per game, which ranks 64th in the NCAA. SMU ranks 201st in assists allowed per game (14.4).
- The Mustangs rank 42nd in rebounds per game (39.4) while the Tigers rank 142nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
- Memphis ranks third in blocks per game (6.7) while SMU ranks 90th (3.4).
- The Mustangs rank 102nd in three pointers attempted per game (23.4) while the Tigers rank 226th (19.4).
- Memphis averages 8.7 steals per game, which ranks 26th in the nation. SMU ranks 147th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tigers have been outscored by an average of 7.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Memphis has defeated opponents by an average of 11.3 points.
- During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
