SMU-Memphis Preview

[CalallenStang]

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/preview;_ ... 0802060349

By JEFF MEZYDLO, STATS Writer

Remaining undefeated in Conference USA might still be a challenge for Memphis.

After passing their toughest league test to date, the top-ranked Tigers look for an easier time as they host struggling Southern Methodist on Wednesday night.

Memphis (21-0, 7-0) continued its best start ever and remained the lone unbeaten team in Division I after getting by Texas-El Paso 70-64 at home on Saturday.

It was the closest any C-USA team has come to knocking off the Tigers, who have won 24 straight league games and could certainly run the table in the conference for the second consecutive season.

Though Memphis is no doubt the class of a mediocre conference, that doesn't mean opponents aren't determined to be beat the Tigers

"These programs are committed to not pulling back Memphis, they are committed to chasing Memphis," said Tigers coach John Calipari, whose team has won by an average of 22.8 points against conference opponents.

While UTEP is one of the better league teams, Memphis shouldn't have too much trouble extending the nation's longest active home-court winning streak to 45 games as it tries for a fifth consecutive victory over SMU (7-12, 1-5) on Wednesday.

"We'll have to play unbelievably well, and they'll have to play unbelievably bad to beat them," SMU coach Matt Doherty said.

Saturday, the Tigers won despite shooting a season-low 36.4 percent, including a 1-for-17 performance from 3-point range. They also went 21-for-41 from the free-throw line, but benefited from a 52-42 rebound advantage and 16 UTEP turnovers.

Chris Douglas-Roberts had 24 points and scored with 2:31 left in the game to break a 60-all tie to help Memphis break away. Freshman Derrick Rose was 5-for-17 from the field, but scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half and pulled down eight rebounds as the Tigers scored were held to a season low in points at home.

"I love winning. It doesn't matter how," Calipari said. "I'm disappointed in some of our players who didn't play as well as I would have figured (they would), but we found a way to try to win that game."

Douglas-Roberts wasn't one of those players, scoring 20 or more points for the fourth straight contest. The 6-foot-7 guard averages a team-leading 17.8 points overall, including 23.7 in his last four games. He had 19 in Memphis' 64-61 win at SMU on Mar. 3 in the teams' most recent meeting.

SMU lost 72-60 at Tulsa on Saturday for its fourth straight road loss. The Mustangs have lost seven of their last eight overall.

Alex Malone had 14 points and Jon Killen 13 for SMU, which trailed by as many as 21 in the second half.

The Mustangs, who are 0-6 when facing the nation's No. 1 team, have lost six in a row to ranked opponents dating to a 60-59 win at then No. 17-Purdue on Dec. 21, 2003.

[Harry0569]

Because of what happened last night in Memphis, is the game still on? I mean, tornadoes ravaged parts of Tennesee, I was wondering if anyone heard anything?

[CalallenStang]

Because of what happened last night in Memphis, is the game still on? I mean, tornadoes ravaged parts of Tennesee, I was wondering if anyone heard anything?

I have not heard anything regarding the cancellation of the game. Obviously that part of Tennessee experienced some horrible weather last night and my thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.