SMU (7-13, 2-5 AAC)  at Memphis (15-5, 5-2 AAC)
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Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 – 6 p.m. CT
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SMU visits Memphis on Thursday in the first of two meetings this season. Memphis comes to Dallas for the second matchup on March 2. 

The Mustangs' last three games have been decided by three points or less. SMU fell 54-52 to Cincinnati on Jan. 14, won 79-76 in overtime at Tulsa on Jan. 18 then lost 71-69 to Wichita State at Moody Coliseum on Sunday. The Mustangs have had four score in double figures in each of the past two games. Efe Odigie had 16 points and 11 rebounds against Wichita State, recording his fourth double-double of the season. That followed a season-high 22 points with nine rebounds at Tulsa. In the WSU game, Zach Nutall had 17 points, Zhuric Phelps 13 and Stefan Todorovic 11. Phelps and Jalen Smith each had a team-high five assists while Samuell Williamson recorded four helpers.

Zhuric Phelps is averaging a team-best 16.9 points (4th AAC). Zach Nutall is second for the Mustangs scoring 13.9 per game (15th AAC). Phelps is also averaging 2.6 assists and 2.2 steals (2nd AAC, 29th NCAA). Efe Odigie is adding 10.7 points (6 straight games in double figures), Samuell Williamson 8.1 per game and Stefan Todorovic 7.4. Williamson is leading the Mustangs at 7.4 rebounds (6th AAC) followed by Odigie at 7.0 (9th AAC). Odigie has four double-doubles (5th AAC) and Williamson has two this season (12th AAC). Williamson is also averaging 1.3 steals (11th AAC) and 1.0 blocks per game (9th AAC). Nutall is also among the league leaders in steals at 1.2 per game (15th AAC).

NCAA CAREER ACTIVE LEADERS (Through Jan. 22): Zach Nutall has 1,720 career points, which is 38th among active players in NCAA Division I for career scoring. He has played 144 games (29th), has 572 career rebounds (164th) and 135 steals (123rd). Efe Odigie is 53rd among active players with 739 rebounds and 38th in career double-doubles with 21. Odigie also has 1,122 career points (281st) in 117 games (295th). Samuell Williamson is up to 480 career rebounds (292nd). 

COACHES VS CANCER SUITS AND SNEAKERS WEEK: January 23-29 is the annual NABC Coaches vs Cancer Suits and Sneakers week. The Mustangs will particpate at Memphis on Jan. 26 and at Moody Coliseum vs USF on Jan. 29. The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. This initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Since 1993, coaches have raised over $145 million for the American Cancer Society. (nabc.com/cvc)

THE SCHEDULE: The non-conference slate included six teams that have been in the national polls this season. SMU played Dayton (then No. 24/25), TCU (then No. 24/25), Texas A&M (previously top-25), Arizona State (previously top 25), New Mexico (as high as No. 21/22) and Utah State (then receiving votes). Through Jan. 18, SMU's NET non-conference strength of schedule was No. 53 and overall NET strength of schedule was No. 50. The American Athletic Conference 18-game league schedule includes home and away against Cincinnati, ECU, [3/3] Houston, [rv/-] Memphis, USF, Tulane (has received votes in the Coaches poll), Tulsa and Wichita State. SMU will have just a single match-up with Temple at home and UCF on the road.

AAC WEEKLY HONOR ROLL: Samuell Williamson was named to the AAC Weekly Honor Roll on Jan. 2. He had a season-high 17 points with 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocked shots and a steal in the 92-67 AAC-opening win over Tulsa on New Year's Day.

AAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Zhuric Phelps was named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week on Dec. 26. Phelps averaged 19.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, earning all-tournament honors. He scored 20 points in the 85-81 victory over Iona in the quarterfinal, added 19 points with eight rebounds and three steals in the 77-74 semifinal win against Utah State, and totaled 20 points in the 58-57 loss to Hawaii in the championship. This was Phelps' third career AAC Weekly Honor. He was on the AAC Weekly Honor Roll on Nov. 28 and was the conference's Freshman of the Week on Dec. 13, 2021.

BALANCE: The Mustangs have had at least four score in double figures six times this season, five of those since the win over Utah State on Dec. 23. Three times this season the Mustangs have five score in double figures (vs Utah State 12/23, Tulsa 1/1, Tulane 1/11).

STEALING THE SHOW: Zhuric Phelps has 39 steals this season and is averaging 2.2 per game (2nd AAC, 29th NCAA). He had a career-high six steals in the win at Tulsa on Jan. 18. He also had five against Cincinnati on Jan. 14.

SEEING 20-20: Three times this season the Mustangs have had a pair of 20-point scorers. Zach Nutall and Zhuric Phelps have done it twice (Jackson State 12/3, vs Iona 12/22) while Stefan Todorovic and Efe Odigie did it versus Tulane (1/11).

OPENING AAC PLAY IN STYLE: SMU defeated Tulsa 92-67 in the AAC opener at Moody Coliseum on Jan. 1. That tied for the seventh-largest home AAC victory for the Mustangs and tied for the third-highest score by the Mustangs in an AAC contest.

HEAD COACH ROB LANIER... came to the Hilltop from Georgia State, arriving with more than 30 years as a collegiate coach, including seven seasons as a head coach. His teams have made 12 NCAAs and earned 19 total postseason bids. Those teams also have five conference titles, three regular season championships and two tournament crowns, plus five more trips to a league tournament final. In his three seasons at Georgia State, the Panthers went 53-30, winning the Sun Belt Tournament in 2022 and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers also made the Sun Belt Tournament final in 2021. Additionally, he led GSU to a victory over Georgia Tech, the program's first win over an ACC opponent. The Panthers also claimed the 2019-20 2K Empire Classic Riverside Regional. In addition to being the head coach at Georgia State and Siena, he has been associate head coach or an assistant coach at Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Rutgers and his alma mater, St. Bonaventure. Lanier has played a role in signing 10 McDonald's All-Americans, and 11 players that he either signed or coached have become NBA Draft Picks. After arriving at SMU, Lanier was named a training camp coach for the USA Basketball Men's U18 National Team. He worked with the team in Houston prior to its gold-medal run at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship in Mexico.

SMU BASKETBALL COACHES SHOW PRESENTED BY THE COX SCHOOL OF BUSINESS: The SMU Basketball Coaches Show presented by the Cox School of Business features SMU Men's Basketball Head Coach Rob Lanier and Women's Basketball Head Coach Toyelle Wilson beginning Monday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. at Ozona Grill and Bar. Ozona Grill and Bar is located at 4615 Greenville Ave., just a short distance from the SMU campus. Fans can also catch LIVE video on the SMU Mustangs Facebook page, or listen on SMUMustangs.com and on the SMU Mobile App. Submit your questions for Coach Lanier or Coach Wilson by clicking the "Ask The Coach" button on SMUMustangs.com. SHOW DATES: Jan. 2, Jan. 9, Jan. 16, Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27, Mar. 6

2023 ROCKET MORTGAGE FORT MYERS TIP-OFF: SMU, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin make up the four-team Beach Division of the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off, which will take place Nov. 20-22, 2023. In addition, the 2023-24 schedule includes home games with Dayton and Texas A&M. 

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC FINALIST: The Mustangs made a run to the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic championship game. SMU won 85-81 over Iona in the quarterfinal on Dec. 22 and 77-74 in the semifinal over Utah State. SMU fell to Hawaii, the event host, 58-57 on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in the final on Christmas Day. In the tournament, the Mustangs shot 50.6% from the field, 36.8% on threes and 78.6% on free throws.

TURNING THE TIDE IN HAWAII: In the nine games since heading to Hawaii for the Diamond Head Classic, SMU has shot 44.2% overall and 32.1% from three while averaging 14.3 assists. In the first 10 games of the season, SMU had shot 39.7% overall, 29.5% on threes and 69.3% on free throws while averaing 11.4 assists.

PLAYING THEM CLOSE: The Mustangs have played eight games decided by four points or less, going 3-5 in those games. SMU defeated Iona 85-81 on Dec. 22, Utah State 77-74 on Dec. 23 and Tulsa 79-76 in overtime on Jan. 18. The Mustangs have lost five games decided by four points or less, including the 71-69 hame game against Wichita State on Jan. 22 and the 54-52 home decision to Cincinnati on Jan. 14. The Mustangs fell 58-57 on a buzzer-beater at Hawaii Dec. 25, 74-70 in overtime to Louisiana on Nov. 22 and 69-68 to Jackson State on Dec. 3.

LAST GAME (L, 71-69 vs Wichita State on Jan. 22): DALLAS (AP) -- Jaykwon Walton scored 18 points, Craig Porter Jr. made three free throws to give Wichita State the lead with 35 seconds left and the Shockers rallied to beat SMU 71-69 on Sunday. Walton made 5 of 9 shots and 8 of 12 free throws for the Shockers (10-9, 3-4 American Athletic Conference). James Rojas finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Porter hit 3 of 5 shots and all five of his free throws, scoring 11. He also blocked four shots. Zach Nutall led the Mustangs (7-13, 2-5) with 17 points and three steals. Efe Odigie added 16 points and 11 rebounds. Zhruic Phelps finished with 13 points, five assists and two steals. Walton scored 16 points in the second half to help the Shockers rally from a 29-25 halftime deficit.

THE SERIES VS MEMPHIS (15-16 on Court) (+14-16 Official): SMU has won five of the past seven and 11 of the past 15 matchups. The Mustangs had won six straight with sweeps in 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 before dropping the only matchup in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. The Mustangs swept Memphis en route to the 2016-17 AAC title, opening conference play with a 58- 54 win at Memphis before rounding off the regular season with a 103-62 rout to claim the outright conference title on Senior Day. The Mustangs have lost 4 of the 16 regular-season matchups against Memphis since both teams joined The American.

LAST SEASON VS MEMPHIS (W, 70-62 at Memphis on Jan. 20) MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Kendric Davis had 20 points as SMU beat Memphis 70-62. Emmanuel Bandoumel had 13 points for SMU. Michael Weathers added 11 points and eight rebounds, and Marcus Weathers also had 11 points. Tyler Harris had 17 points for the Tigers (9-8, 3-4). Jalen Duren added 11 points and nine rebounds. (W, 73-57 at SMU on Feb. 20) DALLAS (AP) -- Kendric Davis scored 27 points, Marcus Weathers added 20 points and seven rebounds, and SMU won its 13th straight home game, topping Memphis 73-57. Franklin Agunanne had seven rebounds for SMU. Michael Weathers added six points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. Lester Quinones had 13 points for the Tigers (15-9, 9-5), whose six-game winning streak was snapped. Landers Nolley II added 12 points. Jalen Duren had 11 points and four blocks. (L, 70-63 in AAC Semifinal on March 12) FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Lester Quinones hit a long contested 3-pointer to put No. 3 Memphis ahead and the Tigers held on to beat No. 2 SMU 70-63 in an American Athletic Conference tournament semifinal game. The shot by Quinones with 4:37 left made it 60-57 and was only the third lead change in the game matching teams still trying to ensure making the NCAA Tournament. But it broke the last of six ties over a seven-minute span. Landers Nolley II and Alex Lomax had 12 points each to lead Memphis, which won its sixth game in a row and 11th of 12 in a stretch where the only loss was to the Mustangs. Quinones had 10 points and eight rebounds, while DeAndre Williams had seven points and 10 rebounds. Marcus Weathers had 16 points for SMU. Michael Weathers had 12 points, as did American Athletic Conference Player of the Year Kendric Davis. Tigers center Jalen Duren, the 6-foot-11 freshman who was a first-team all-conference pick and The American's Freshman of the Year, had nine points and seven rebounds in only 17 minutes. He got two fouls in the first 3 1/2 minutes of the game, and didn't return until after halftime, when he exited for 6 1/2 minutes after falling hard to the floor after blocking a shot by Davis.

UP NEXT: The Mustangs host USF on Sunday before a two-game road trip to Tulane (Feb. 1) and ECU (Feb. 4).

SMU IN THE POSTSEASON: Since 2014, SMU has been in the NCAA Tournament twice (2015, 2017) and the NIT three times (2014 runner-up, 2021, 2022).

SMU ROSTER: 12 of 16 on the SMU roster have at least three years of eligibility (including this season).
Keon Ambrose-Hylton (3 - Transfer from Alabama)
Xavier Foster (4 - Transfer from Iowa State)
Jefferson Koulibaly (3 - Transfer from Washington State)
Emory Lanier (3 - Transfer from Davidson)
Darius McBride (3)
Mo Njie (3 - Transfer from Eastern Michigan)
Zhuric Phelps (3)
Jalen Smith (3)
Stefan Todorovic (3)
Trey Utter (4)
Ricardo Wright (3 - Transfer from Marist)
Jackson Young (3 - Transfer from Hawaii-Pacific)

HEAD COACH ROB LANIER ON THE MUSTANGS:

Franklin Agunanne (6-9, 240, F, Sr.)  | 2022-23: Played 12 games... totaled 6 points and 14 rebounds | "Frank has a maturity and physical presence that has really stood out. He has a very good touch and basketball IQ on offense and great effort and intensity on defense. Frank brings definite value to our team" – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: 23 games, 1.1 pts, 1.9 rebs, 55.0% FGs)

Keon Ambrose-Hylton (6-8, 215, F, Jr.) | 2022-23: Played every game (2 starts)... averaging 3.5 points (16 vs Iona 12/22) and 3.2 rebounds (9 at Tulsa 1/18) with 12 total blocks | Transferred from Alabama. He began the 2022-23 with three seasons to play. "Keon has been a joy so far. Most young bigs want to be good at so many things that they never excel at any one thing. His motor gives him an identity as a player. He brings a relentless approach to the floor that separates him as a rebounder and defender. That along with his budding skillset and work ethic, the future is bright for Keon" – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Alabama: 29 games, 1.1 pts, 0.8 rebs, 57.7% FGs)

Xavier Foster (6-11, 235, F, So.) | 2022-23: Played 8 games | Transferred from Iowa State He began the 2022-23 with four seasons to play. "Xavier has a world of talent. I'm so excited for him and about him. It's just a matter of time and experience before we begin to see his true capabilities. He's a young man with a very bright future." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Iowa State: 7 games, 4.0 pts, 1.7 rebs)

Jefferson Koulibaly (6-3, 190, G, So.) | 2022-23: Played 18 games... has 28 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists | Transferred from Washington State. He began 2022-23 with three seasons to play.  "Jefferson brings a work ethic and competitive spirit that is essential to our program. He's a strong on-ball defender and a skilled open-court offensive threat. I love what Jefferson brings" – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Washington State: 16 games, 2.6 pts, 0.9 rebs, 6-20 3FGs)

Emory Lanier (6-3, 190, G, Jr.) | 2022-23: Played 18 games... has 28 points (11 vs Tulsa 1/1), 14 rebounds and 9 assists | Transferred from Davidson. He began 2022-23 with three seasons to play.  "Obviously, I know Emory better than I could know anyone else that I've coached. So, here's what I know, he's a winner. He has always immersed himself into the team and put winning first. His skill, his effort and his overall character will make him an asset to our team and program on and off the court." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Davidson 2021-22: 16 games, A-10 Champions, NCAA Tournament)

Darius McBride (6-4, 200, G, Jr.) | 2022-23: Played 3 games | "Darius brings undeniable strength, and athleticism to our team. He's improved as a shooter and has the ability to be extremely impactful as a defender and rebounder. He has worked very hard this off-season despite working through an injury." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: played 10 games)

Mo Njie (6-11, 245, C, So.) | 2022-23: Played 15 games... Has 17 points and 24 rebounds with 7 total blocks | Transferred from Eastern Michigan. He began 2022-23 with three seasons to play. "Of all of our players, Mo made the biggest improvement from the start of the summer to the end. I'm excited to see how he builds on that progress. Mo has the size, strength, athleticism and coachability to have significant impact for this team. I'm excited to see his continued growth." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Eastern Michigan: 6.6 pts, 5.3 rebs, 61.9% FGs, 4-8 3FGs)

Zach Nutall (6-4, 200, G, Sr.) | 2022-23: Started every game... averaging 13.9 points (15th AAC), 2.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals (15th AAC)... averaging 2.0 threes  (13th AAC) and shooting 73.8% on FTs  (15th AAC) | "Zach is a key to our team. He's a leader by nature. I expect big things from him with regard to production through his example as a program veteran player." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: 33 games with 29 starts, 6.8 pts, 3.7 rebs, 1.5 asts, 32.5% 3FGs)

Efe Odigie (6-8, 245, F, Sr.) | 2022-23: Played every game (started 19)... averaging 10.7 points (season-high 22 at Tulsa 1/18), 7.0 rebounds (9th AAC)... has 4 double-doubles (5th AAC) | Transferred from Troy. He began the 2022-23 with only one season to play. "I've seen up close the effect that Efe can have on winning having competed against him in the Sun Belt Conference. He is proven and his ability to score, rebound and defend along with his feel for the game make him an immediate impact player!" – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Troy: 11.5 pts, 6.7 rebs, 48.4% FGs, 81.0% FTs, All-Sun Belt 1st Team, NABC All-District 2nd Team, Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year, Sun Belt All-Tournament)

Zhuric Phelps (6-5, 195, G, So.) | 2022-23: Started 18 games (missed at UCF 1/8, vs Tulane 1/11)... averaging 16.9 points (4th AAC), 3.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.2 steals (2nd AAC, 29th NCAA) (6 at Tulsa 1/18, 5 vs Cincinnati 1/14)... AAC Player of the Week (D26), AAC Weekly Honor Roll (N28) | "From a talent standpoint…size, skill, athleticism, and competitiveness… Zhuric is one of the more talented guards I've ever had the opportunity to coach. The challenge for any young player is to develop a level of consistency and reliability. I'm confident that he will figure it all out." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: 3.8 pts, 1.9 rebs, 1.0 asts, 0.8 stls, AAC Freshman of the Week (Dec. 13))

Jalen Smith (6-4, 190, G, So.) | 2022-23: Played every game (12 starts)... 3.7 points (11 vs Tulsa 1/1, 10 vs Tulane 1/11), 1.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists (7 vs Tulsa 1/1) | "Jalen established himself as one of our hardest workers right away. He carries himself with a tremendous sense of humility. He's a bit of a throwback. I expect big things from Jalen due to his versatile skill set, his elite athleticism, and tremendous defensive ability." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: 8 starts, 2.0 pts, 0.9 rebs, 38.9% 3FGs)

Stefan Todorovic (6-8, 205, F, So.) | 2022-23: Played 19 games (7 starts - missed 1/1 vs Tulsa due to injury)... 7.4 points (27 vs Tulane 1/11), 3.2 rebounds (10 vs Tulane 1/11)... 33.3% on threes... career highs of 27 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals and a block vs Tulane 1/11. | "Stefan has an elite skill. He can shoot the basketball at an extremely high-level. Once he adapts to focus on becoming a strong defensive contributor, his impact will be felt. He has it in him for sure so I have little doubt he will show the growth." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (2021-22: 2.9 pts, 1.2 rebs, 43.5% 3FGs)

Trey Utter (6-0, 160, G, Fr.) | Played 2 games | "Trey has caught on quickly. He's smart, tough and knows how to play. He has a quiet confidence about him and an overall understanding of the game that allows him to bring tremendous value to our program" – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Argyle HS: 31-7, 4A Defensive Player of the Year, 8.0 pts, 5.0 asts, 40% 3FGs, 2020-21 UIL 4A State Champs)

Samuell Williamson (6-8, 200, F, Sr.) | 2022-23: Started every game... 8.1 points, 7.4 rebounds (6th AAC), 1.0 blocks (9th AAC), 1.3 steals (11th AAC) and 2.6 assists... has 2 double-doubles (12th AAC)... AAC Weekly Honor Roll (J2) | Transferred from Louisville. He began 2022-23 with two seasons to play.  "This is a win-win. Sam brings so much to the table for us and I believe our program is ideal for him at this stage of his career, His work ethic, versatility and competitiveness will allow for him to make a tremendous impact." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Louisville: 5.6 pts, 3.7 rebs, 45.6% FGs)

Ricardo Wright (6-3, 185, G, Jr.) | 2022-23: Played 16 games... Averaging 3.1 points (10+ in 3 AAC games) with 13 rebounds and 4 assists | Transferred from Marist.  He began 2022-23 with three seasons to play. "Ricardo is a proven scorer. He has a real knack for putting the ball in the basket. He also has the competitive spirit to match that offensive skill. Once he elevates his commitment to the defensive end, he will become a complete player we can rely on. I'm excited to see Ricardo's growth." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Marist: 13.6 pts, 4.2 rebs, 1.7 asts, 37.4% 3FGs (6th MAAC), 70.9% FTs, 1.9 3FGs/game (8th MAAC))

Jackson Young (6-2, 185, G, So.) | 2022-23: Played 3 games | Transferred from Hawai'i Pacific. He began 2022-23 with three seasons to play. "Jackson has been terrific. He has an obvious love for the game and really stands out as a teammate. He's competitive and understands what goes into winning. He also brings unique experience to our team in his role, and we could see that value as soon as he arrived in our program." – Head Coach Rob Lanier (Hawai'i Pacific 24 games, 6.3 pts, 2.0 rebs, 0.8 asts, 38.0% 3FGs)

2022-23 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
- American Athletic Conference Player of the Week
     D26 - Zhuric Phelps (19.7 pts, 5.7 rebs, 3.0 asts, 1.7 stls in 3 games at Diamond Head Classic)
- American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll
     N28 - Zhuric Phelps (20.0 pts, 6.0 rebs, 4.0 asts, 2.5 stls, 2.0 blks in 2 games)
     J2 - Samuell Williamson (17 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal vs Tulsa)
- Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic All-Tournament Team
     D22-25 - Zhuric Phelps (19.7 pts, 5.7 rebs, 3.0 asts, 1.7 stls in 3 games)

2021-22 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS (returnees):
- American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week
     D13 - Zhuric Phelps (13 pts, 2 rebs, 2 stls, 1 ast, 6-8 FG, 1-1 3FG in win vs Dayton)