Creighton Basketball: South Florida Looks to Extend Streak Against SMU in Clash of AAC Titans
In a highly anticipated matchup within the American Athletic Conference (AAC), the South Florida Bulls are gearing up to face off against the SMU Mustangs at the Yuengling Center on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET. The Bulls, boasting an impressive 20-5 overall record and a dominant 13-2 home record, are set to take on the 19-8 SMU team, which has struggled on the road with a 5-5 record.
South Florida has been a force to be reckoned with, especially at home, where they have secured 13 out of their 15 victories. Their defensive prowess is evident, ranking fifth in the AAC by limiting opponents to 68.5 points per game and holding them to a 41.8% shooting average. The Bulls’ recent form is impeccable, riding a 10-game winning streak, during which they have averaged 73.3 points and showcased a well-rounded game with 35.6 rebounds, 15.1 assists, 5.9 steals, and 3.5 blocks per game.
Chris Youngblood has been a standout performer for the Bulls, shooting an impressive 42.4% from beyond the arc and averaging 15 points per game. Additionally, Selton Miguel has been a consistent force, averaging 14.4 points over the past 10 games.
On the other side, the SMU Mustangs, with a 10-4 record in AAC play, are no slouches. They have been potent offensively, scoring an average of 77.5 points per game and outscoring opponents by 11.3 points on average. The Mustangs rely on their three-point shooting, making an average of 7.6 shots from beyond the arc per game, which is 0.7 more than what South Florida allows.
Despite their offensive prowess, SMU suffered a setback in their last game against the FAU Owls, ending a six-game winning streak. Keon Ambrose-Hylton’s impressive performance with 11 points and five rebounds wasn’t enough, as the Mustangs struggled to work together, finishing the game with a season-low five assists.
As the two teams prepare to clash, SMU finds themselves in the role of favorites, being favored by 2.5 points in the latest odds, with an over/under set at 147 points. The SportsLine computer model, boasting a 136-89 record on top-rated college basketball picks, is leaning towards the Under in this matchup and has generated a point-spread pick that hits in well over 50% of simulations.
This AAC showdown promises to be a thrilling battle between South Florida’s defensive resilience and SMU’s offensive firepower. Basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike will be eagerly tuning in to witness the outcome of this clash between two formidable teams in the AAC.