College Basketball Regional Power Rankings: Can the Texas Longhorns win the Big 12?

Feb 1, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard

(12) claps after scoring against the Memphis Tigers during the second half of a mens basketball game at Moody Coliseum. SMU won 87-72. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

3. SMU Mustangs (17-5, 6-3 AAC)

After laying an egg in midweek loss to South Florida, the Ponies responded with a huge 87-72 win over number 22 Memphis. Markus Kennedy was perfect, literally, hitting all 10 of his shots for 21 points along with 15 rebounds. After being tied at 29 to start the second half, SMU caught fire to go ahead 56-36 with 13 minutes still to play. Although Larry Brown‘s group shot nearly 58% from the field against the Tigers, defense is where this team is really making its mark. According to kenpom.com, the Mustangs have held opponents to a 43.5 effective field goal percentage (10th nationally) and to a 40.5  two-point field goal percentage (2nd nationally). They’ve even forced turnovers on 21% of their defensive possessions. SMU also received double-digit votes in both the AP and Coaches poll this week after beating a ranked opponent at home for the first time in 10 years. The Moody Magic will certainly be back for this week’s home tilts against Temple and number seven Cincinnati.