SMU Schedule Loaded, but Which Games Are Can't Miss?
DALLAS – This season's SMU basketball schedule is loaded with quality games and might be enhanced even further if the Mustangs can pick up a big win down in Florida at the Ft. Meyers Tip-off.
But with so many good games on the schedule, which ones should be deemed absolute must-see and how many will be at Moody Coliseum? Well, the heavy lifting has been done for you. Here are the Top 5 games on the Mustangs' schedule.
#5
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia Mountaineers forward Emmitt Matthews Jr., guard Joe Toussaint celebrate after their win over the Iowa State Cyclones at James H. Hilton Coliseum.
(Reese Strickland – USA TODAY Sports)
NOV. 20, 7:30 p.m. (Fort Meyers, Fla.)
This game would be ranked higher if it were in either Morgantown or at Moody. Unfortunately, it's on a neutral court in Florida, but it's still a fun way to spend an evening during Thanksgiving week. The Mountaineers always seem to field a quality basketball team and are coming off a heart-breaking 67-65 loss to Maryland in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
There is room for an upset here as West Virginia is currently under the direction of interim head coach Josh Eilert as a result of the crazy Bob Huggins resignation followed immediately by the claim he didn't actually resign. Depending on where you're looking on the internet, Huggins is still listed as technically the Mountaineers coach. It certainly sounds like a nice warm-up for all the family drama to come around the Thanksgiving dinner table.
#4
ARIZONA STATE
Arizona State Sun Devils guard Frankie Collins reacts after a dunk against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at Ball Arena.
(Michael Ciaglo – USA TODAY Sports)
DEC. 6, 9 p.m. (Tempe, Ariz.)
Legendary Duke player Bobby Hurley brings SMU to the desert for a mid-week match-up. The Sun Devils blew out Nevada last season in the NCAA Tournament play-in game and then lost to TCU by two in the first round.
While disappointing, it still netted Arizona State its best record under Hurley at 23-11. Pulling off an upset against a Pac-12 school on the road would do wonders for SMU's chances of making their own NCAA Tournament run in Rob Lanier's second season.
The Mustangs lost by 18 in Moody last season as the Sun Devils stretched their record to 9-1, but SMU is expected to be much improved this time around. Also, last year's loss to Texas Southern shows ASU can lose focus every at times, opening the door for a surprise loss. Taking DJ Horne and Devan Cambridge out of the mix this year after posting a combined 35 points last year helps even the odds a bit as well.
#3
MEMPHIS
Memphis Tigers forward Malcolm Dandridge shoots the ball over SMU Mustangs forward Isiah Jasey during their AAC Tournament game at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.
(Joe Rondone – USA TODAY Sports)
FEB. 18, 2 p.m. (Moody Col.)
During AAC media day, Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway said last year's game had a little edge to it because of former Mustang Jahmar Young, Jr. However, he said this season would be just another game when the Tigers come to Moody regardless of where SMU plays next season.
This game is smack-dab in the middle of a brutal stretch for SMU that could either propel them onto the national radar or kill their hopes of postseason play all together. The Mustangs travel to Tulane the Thursday before to face what is expected to be a powerful Green Wave team before flying to Boca Raton to face a Florida Atlantic team that was one shot away from being in the national championship game.
Moody should be rocking for one last shot at the Tigers, so it should be quite the atmosphere. Hopefully, there will also be something to play for by the time this game rolls around.
#2
FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Florida Atlantic Owls center Vladislav Goldin reacts to defeating the Memphis Tigers at Nationwide Arena.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
FEB. 22, 6 p.m. (Boca Raton, Fla.)
Speaking of Florida Atlantic, the Owls return almost everyone from a team that went 35-4 and came up a single point short to San Diego State in the Final Four. Of course, it should be noted that a single point was what gave FAU the edge against Memphis in the first round also.
Having played Memphis and Houston last year should give the Mustangs a feel for what they might be walking into. If somehow the Mustangs knock off Memphis on Sunday, this game will be dripping with intensity. Outside of FAU's loss at Ole Miss, every blemish on the Owls' record came against mid-majors, which offers a ray of hope that an upset is possible.
FAU comes in waves, playing at least nine players big minutes while wearing out opponents. It will be interesting to see if Lanier has brought in enough depth to keep up with all the fresh legs.
#1
TEXAS A&M
Texas A&M Aggies guard Tyrece Radford dribbles the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena.
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
NOV. 14, 7 p.m. (Moody Col.)
No one seems to have told the Aggies yet, but SEC schools that are serious about their basketball don't do true road games unless it something special like a home-and-home with Kansas or Gonzaga. Still, Texas A&M adapting to being good at basketball is SMU's win with a visit from the military school down south in early November.
Donors may have to chip in a little extra money to pay for a new roof for Moody after this one. The Aggies are notoriously slow starters. They don't heat up until well into SEC play. During non-conference A&M loses to teams it shouldn't on a regular basis.
This is an opportunity to steal a win against a team that should be in the NCAA Tournament and is a dark horse contender for SEC champion this year if the Aggies can catch up with Arkansas and Tennessee. A win, even though it's at home, would be a huge feather in Lanier's cap.
It would also go a long way in making sure Moody is filled and rowdy for much of the year. Getting a big win in front of a packed house against a flagship Texas school is about as good as it gets for building enthusiasm. Plus, it's Zhuric Phelps first opportunity of the year to show NBA scouts how well he can compete with quality opponents on a big stage. It should be quite the show.
PONY EXPRESS:
ONE ADVANTAGE TO ACC MOVE IS SAYING GOODBYE TO ALBATROSS THAT IS FRIDAY NIGHT SMU FOOTBALL GAMES
PLAYERS HAVE TO PRETEND THEY DON'T NOTICE ANOTHER AAC TEAM'S POOR RECORD, STAY FOCUSED AGAINST OWLS
