Wed Feb 6 12:03:50 2008

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Top-ranked Memphis puts perfect mark on line against visiting SMU

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Memphis, TN (Sports Network) - The top-ranked Memphis Tigers put several lengthy win streaks on the line this evening, as they welcome the SMU Mustangs to FedExForum for a Conference USA affair.

The Tigers are the only undefeated team left in the country and opened up a four-game homestand last weekend, with a 70-64 victory over Texas-El Paso. The win moved the team to 21-0 on the year and 7-0 in conference play. In addition, the team has now won 44 straight games at home, 40 straight regular season affairs and 30 consecutive games against Conference USA competition (including tournament games).

The Mustangs certainly have a daunting task in front of them, as they have struggled both in and out of league play this year. SMU is a mere 7-12 overall and just 1-5 in C-USA action, while dropping seven of the last eight games. The team finally got into the win column in league play with a 69-67 overtime decision against UCF on January 26th, but the Mustangs could not build on that win, following up with a 72-60 loss at Tulsa over the weekend.

Memphis has won four of the previous five matchups with SMU

Lack of production offensively has been the main source of anguish for the Mustangs this season. SMU is averaging 65.3 ppg on a mediocre .430 shooting, but allowing 70.2 ppg. Jon Killen leads three players in double figures, but none can be considered prolific scorers. Killen does possess range with his shot, hitting 41.1 percent from behind the arc (44-of-107), but it leads to just 12.8 ppg. Bamba Fall (10.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and Papa Dia (10.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg) give the team some frontcourt options. The Mustangs shot a strong 56 percent from the floor in the second half against Tulsa, but it wasn't enough in a 12- point loss to the Golden Hurricane. SMU won the battle on the boards (36-34), but turned the ball over an unforgiving 22 times. Alex Malone led the way offensively, coming off the bench with 14 points. Killen added 13, followed by Derrick Roberts' 11.

Boasting of a +20.3 scoring margin, it is clear that the top-ranked Tigers know how to win games at either end of the floor. Offensively, the team is shooting .466 from the field, en route to a hefty 80.8 ppg. Memphis has also thrived defensively, holding foes well under 40 percent shooting (.372), including under 30 percent from three-point range (.288), while allowing a mere 60.5 ppg. In addition, the team enjoys a +8.1 rebounding edge and is forcing just over 17 turnovers per game (17.1). All-American candidate Chris Douglas-Roberts and freshman standout Derrick Rose lead the perimeter attack. Douglas-Roberts is shooting 55.2 percent from the floor and 50 percent from long range, resulting in a team-high 17.8 ppg. Rose plays like a crafty veteran, averaging 14.2 ppg, while dishing out a team-high 93 assists. Forwards Robert Dozier (10.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Joey Dorsey (7.4 ppg, team-highs of 10.8 rpg and 47 blocks) provide the low post balance, doing most of the dirty work in the paint. The Tigers did not play one of their better games against UTEP over the weekend. Struggling to find their touch, the Tigers converted just 36.4 percent from the floor and an ugly 1-of-17 from behind the arc, but still found a way to get the win. Douglas-Roberts was exempt from the poor shooting, hitting 10-of-17 from the floor, while pouring in a game-high 24 points. Rose added 17 points, while grabbing eight rebounds and doling out three assists. Memphis outscored UTEP 46-24 in the paint, but still the game was tied nine times, with five lead changes throughout.