SMU enters top 20, but looming matchups occupy Mustangs' thoughts

SMU cracks top 20 in AP men's basketball poll.

March 04, 2014

By BILL NICHOLS
Staff Writer

SMU BasketballUNIVERSITY PARK — Having won NBA and NCAA titles, Larry Brown managed to keep his composure upon learning his Mustangs had improved five spots to No. 18 in the AP rankings.

“Better than 25,” Brown said.

No sense freaking out over SMU making its first top 20 appearance in 29 years. With games against two ranked teams remaining, the Mustangs have even more important matters.

They are trying to claim the first American Athletic Conference regular-season title, which would improve their seeding in the conference tournament, in turn enhancing their spot in the NCAA bracket.

The Mustangs (23-6) can accomplish a first in school history with a victory over No. 11 Louisville on Wednesday. They can finish the season undefeated at sold-out Moody Coliseum.

The more things change the more they stay the same. The last time Moody hosted a matchup between two top-20 teams was Feb. 16, 1985 — against Louisville. No. 4 SMU beat the Cardinals, 72-64.

.

 

March 04, 2014