How to watch: SMU at UAB

SMU (20-10, 11-6 AAC) at UAB (19-11, 11-6 AAC)
Bartow Arena – Birmingham, Alabama
Sunday, March 10, 2024 – 2:00 p.m. CT
TV: ESPN+
Radio: KAAM 770 AM | Audio Streaming: SMU App (Google Play | Apple App Store)
Gameday Central | Live Stats
SMU Notes | UAB| American

SMU concludes the regular season with a road game at UAB on Sunday. The Mustangs won the first meeting this season, 72-69, in Dallas on February 4. The Mustangs enter the final game of the regular season playing for a double-bye in the AAC Championship. With a win, SMU will be a top-four seed at Dickies Arena and wouldn’t play until the quarterfinal round on March 15. 

The Mustangs earned their 20th win of the season with an 80-77 overtime victory over East Carolina on Wednesday at Moody Coliseum on Senior Night. Zhuric Phelps hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 5.4 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime. He finished with 15 points, including 10-of-10 on free throws. Chuck Harris had a team-high 16 points and Ricardo Wright scored 10. Samuell Williamson was honored pregame and then had a game-high 13 rebounds with six points, three assists, two blocks and a steal. 

AAC TOURNAMENT SCENARIOS: SMU is
– No. 3 seed with WIN (at UAB) and Charlotte loss (at ECU) and Memphis loss (at FAU) – SMU wins tiebreaker with Charlotte due head-to-head win
– No. 4 seed with WIN (at UAB) and Charlotte win (at ECU) and Memphis loss (at FAU) – SMU is only team at 12-6
– No. 4 seed with WIN (at UAB) and Charlotte loss (at ECU) and Memphis win (at FAU) – all three teams T-3rd at 12-6, SMU and Memphis would be 2-1 in mini-conference (Charlotte is No. 5). Memphis would have tiebreaker with 2-0 record vs FAU
– No. 5 or 6 seed with LOSS (at UAB) and Memphis loss (at FAU). SMU and Memphis split, so tiebreaker would depend upon final standings

ELITE DEFENSE: In the second season under Head Coach Rob Lanier, the Mustangs’ defense is ranked among the best in the country. SMU is holding opponents to 40.6% (1st AAC, 28th NCAA) from the field. The three-point defense is 30.8% (1st AAC, 31st NCAA). Opponents are averaging 67.4 points (3rd AAC, 61st NCAA). The Mustangs are averaging 8.6 steals (2nd AAC, 30th NCAA), 5.0 blocked shots per game (1st AAC, 20th NCAA) and have a +5.6 rebound margin (1st AAC, 32nd NCAA).

AMONG THE NATIONAL LEADERS: The Mustangs are also in the top 60 nationally in several other categories. SMU is averaging 15.8 assists (1st AAC, 41st NCAA), 14.7 offensive rebounds (1st AAC, 5th NCAA) and 28.1 bench points (3rd AAC, 24th NCAA) while having a 1.41 assist-to-turnover ratio (1st AAC, 48th NCAA). The Mustangs have a 9.7 scoring margin on the season (2nd AAC, 38th NCAA).

MUSTANG LEADERS: The Mustangs are led in scoring by preseason All-AAC selection Zhuric Phelps (14.7, 13th AAC), Chuck Harris (13.2), Samuell Williamson (8.8) and Tyreek Smith (8.0). Phelps is also averaging 4.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals (5th AAC). Chuck Harris has a team-best 3.5 assists per game (10th AAC) with a 1.74 assist-to-turnover ratio (8th AAC) followed by B.J. Edwards at 2.9 assists. Chuck Harris is hitting 40.0% on threes (6th AAC). Samuell Williamson is leading in rebounding at 7.5 (6th AAC) with 10+ in seven games. Tyreek Smith is averaging 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks (3rd AAC).

MOODY MAGIC: In 11 seasons in the American Athletic Conference, SMU went 77-22 (.766) at Moody Coliseum, including 8-1 this season.

ALMOST PERFECT BALANCE: The Mustangs are 12-2 this season when at least four score in double figures, including 7-2 in AAC games. SMU has had five in double figures three times this season (at Murray State 12/22, Tulane 2/1, at Rice 2/7, at Tulane 2/15, Memphis 2/18).

SMU Season 3FG% Defense
1.    .298 (210-705)    2021-22
2.    .305 (120-394)    1987-88
3.    .308 (203-660)    2011-12
—-    .308    2023-24
4.    .314 (157-500)    1992-93

Scoring margin
1.    14.3 (74.3-60.0)    2016-17
2.    13.9 (77.3-63.4)    2015-16
3.    13.4 (77.6-64.2)    1956-57
4.    11.0 (78.8-67.7)    1955-56
5.    10.4 (82.3-71.8)    1987-88
—-    9.7    2023-24
6.    9.4 (69.1-59.8)    2014-15

GRAND ACHIEVEMENT: Zhuric Phelps (1,089 – 36th at SMU) and Samuell Williamson (1,039) both hit the 1,000-point milestone in the 87-79 win at Tulane on Feb. 15. Chuck Harris (1331) surpassed it on Nov. 9 vs Lamar. Phelps became the 44th Mustang to score 1,000 points at SMU.
SMU Career Scoring
Rank    Points    Name, Years
30    1198    Lynn Phillips, 1966-69
31    1179    Butch Moore, 1982-86
32    1166    Shake Milton, 2015-18
33    1110    Sterling Brown, 2013-17
34    1096    Jan Loudermilk, 1959-62
35    1093    Eric Castro, 2001-05
36    1089    Zhuric Phelps

MEET THE MUSTANGS:

Keon Ambrose-Hylton (6-6, 220, F, Sr.) | 2023-24: Played all 30 games (20 starts)… averaging 7.2 points (10+ 7 times), 4.3 rebounds (career-high 11 vs Tulane 2/1) and 0.9 blocked shots (12th AAC) while shooting 64.1% (4th AAC, on pace to break SMU season record which is 63.7%) … Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, shot 56.3% from the field (9-16) while averaging 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds. 2022-23: Played all 32 games… averaged 3.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.7 blocked shots… Hit 65.7% on FGs. 

Denver Anglin (6-1, 185, G, So.) | 2023-24: Redshirting this season following a stress reaction in his left foot… Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 6.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and an assist per outing. 2022-23 at Georgetown: Played in 18 games.

B.J. Edwards (6-3, 185, G, So.) | 2023-24: Played all 30 games (28 starts)… averaging 3.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steal with a 2.26 assist-to-turnover ratio…Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, he averaged a team-best 6.0 assists with 5.3 points and 6.0 rebounds and a 3.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. 2022-23 at Tennessee: Played 14 games for a team that made the NCAA Sweet 16.

Xavier Foster (7-0, 225, F, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played 4 games… Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, had a team-high four blocked shots in the three games while adding 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per matchup. 2022-23: Played 10 games… had 4 points and 4 rebounds.

Chuck Harris (6-4, 190, G, Sr.): 2023-24: Started 29 of 30 games (missed 3/2 vs UTSA)… averaging 13.2 points (20+ 3 times), 3.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists (10th AAC) and 1.0 steal while shooting 40.0% on threes (6th AAC) and 84.7% on FTs… Has a 1.74 assist-to-turnover ratio (8th AAC)…Has 1 double-double (18 points, 10 assists) vs Tulsa 1/20… Scored 1,000th career point in the win vs Lamar 11/9… AAC Weekly Honor Roll (D18) | Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 11.0 points and 2.0 assists while hitting 5-of-6 on free throws. 2022-23 at Butler: played in 29 of 32 games (missed 3 due to injury) with 24 starts…Averaged 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals while hitting 34.0% on 3FGs…Team-high 85.3% on FTs (7th Big East)… Led team in scoring six times while scoring in double figures 16 times…Three 20-point games… Eight games with 5+ rebounds and four games with 3+ steals.

Ja’Heim Hudson (6-7, 220, G, Sr.) | 2023-24: Played 28 games…Averaging 4.7 points (season-high 14 in win vs North Texas 2/11) and 3.1 rebounds… Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 9.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and a steal… Recorded his tour-best 12 boards in the final contest at Barcelona. 2022-23 at Georgia State: Averaged team-best 6.9 rebounds (12th Sun Belt) with 10.1 points… Led the team with 22 blocked shots and was third with 27 steals … Had three double-doubles … Scored in double figures 13 times and grabbed double-figure rebounds in five games.

Emory Lanier (6-4, 190, G, Sr.) | 2023-24: Played all 30 games… Averaging 3.7 points and shooting 39.7% on 3FGs (25-63)… has 25 3FGs this season (5 in 2022-23, 3 total in 2 seasons at Davidson 2020-22)… Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, he totaled eight points, five assists and two steals. 2022-23: Played in 27 games… totaled 46 points, 22 rebounds, 13 assists and 8 steals… AWARDS: NABC Honors Court… AAC All-Academic Team.

Mo Njie (6-11, 250, C, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played 12 games… Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 3.0 rebounds and a blocked shot… Had a tour-best seven rebounds in the win in Valencia. 2022-23: Played in 25 games…had 42 points, 39 rebounds and 9 blocked shots.

Zhuric Phelps (6-5, 195, G, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played all 30 games (29 starts)… Averaging 14.7 points (13th AAC), 4.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals (5th AAC) with 13 total blocks and hitting 75.4% on FTs (10-10 on FTs in the win vs ECU 3/6)… Reached 1,000 career points during he win at Tulane 2/15… Recorded 100th career steal in the win vs Western Illinois 11/8…AAC Weekly Honor Roll (N27, F12), Fort Myers Tip-Off All-Tournament Team, Preseason All-AAC Second Team. | Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 15.7 points, 2.3 assists and 2.0 steals in just 18.0 minutes. | 2023 NBA DRAFT: On April 12, Zhuric Phelps announced he would enter the NBA Draft and maintain his collegiate eligibility. On May 24, he announced he would withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to SMU for his junior season. | 2022-23: Started all 30 games he played… Averaged 17.5 points (6th AAC), 3.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, (11th AAC) 2.3 steals (1st AAC, 16th NCAA)… Scored 19+ in 17 games… Had 5+ assists 8 times, including 7 of last 13 games… Had 17 games with multiple steals… AWARDS: AAC Player of the Week (D26)…AAC Weekly Honor Roll (N28, F13, F20)… Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic All-Tournament Team (D22-25)… SMU SEASON RECORDS: 524 points (23rd), 2.3 steals (T-4th), 68 steals (4th).

Jalen Smith (6-2, 195, G, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played all 30 games… averaging 6.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists while hitting 37.9% on threes (39-103)…Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 8.3 points and 2.3 assists without committing a turnover… Hit 64.7% on field goals (11-17) and 2-5 on threes. 2022-23: Played all 32 games with 23 starts…averaged 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists with a 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio… Scored 10+ five times.

Tyreek Smith (6-8, 225, F, Sr.) | 2023-24: Played all 30 games (10 starts)…Averaging 8.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks (3rd AAC) while shooting 59.6% on FGs (6th AAC)…Has 2 double-doubles… Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged a team-best 8.0 rebounds with 6.7 points and a block per game… Had 9 points and a team-high 12 rebounds in the opening win at Madrid. 2022-23 at Oklahoma State: Played all 36 games with 9 starts as team made the NIT Quarterfinals… Averaged 5.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocked shots while shooting 59.7% from the field… Had seven games scoring 10+ and four games with 10+ rebounds (all in the last 5 games)… Had 2 double-doubles… Had multiple blocks 6 times.

Trey Utter (6-0, 160, G, So.) | 2023-24: Played in 7 games… Summer 2023 in Spain: Played in the last two games, scoring two points in his first appearance in the victory in Valencia. 2022-23: Played in 2 games…Made his SMU debut in the AAC-opening win vs Tulsa 1/1… AWARDS: AAC All-Academic Team.

Samuell Williamson (6-8, 205, F, Sr.) | 2023-24: Started all 30 games… Averaging 8.8 points, 7.5 rebounds (6th AAC), 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals… 4 double-doubles (10th AAC)… AAC Weekly Honor Roll (D26, F19)… Reached 1,000 career points during the win at Tulane 2/15… Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged team-best 16.0 points with 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.0 assists while shooting 62.5% (20-32)… Game-high 26 points (12-17 FGs) with 7 rebounds in the win in Valencia. 2022-23: Played all 32 games with 30 starts… Averaged 9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds (6th AAC), 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals (11th AAC), 0.8 blocked shots…. Had 6 double-doubles (6th AAC)… Scored 10+ in 16 games… Had 7+ rebounds 17 times… 15 games with multiple steals… AWARDS: AAC Weekly Honor Roll (J2), AAC All-Academic Team.

Ricardo Wright (6-3, 185, G, Sr.) | 2023-24: Played in 29 games (missed 2/11 vs North Texas)… Averaging 7.2 points (10+ in 10 games) and shooting 38.0% on threes (46-121)… Summer 2023 in Spain: In three games, averaged 5.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists. 2022-23: Played in 27 games… averaged 3.1 points and 0.8 rebounds with 9 assists and 6 steals… Shot 34.6% on 3FGs… Had 4 games with 10+ points.

Jackson Young (6-2, 185, G, Jr.) | 2023-24: Played in 7 games… SCHOLARSHIP: During a team meeting on Jan. 6, Head Coach Rob Lanier announced that Jackson Young was awarded a scholarship… Summer 2023 in Spain: Played in the last two games, hitting a pair of threes in finale in Barcelona and totaling two assists. 2022-23: Played in 5 games.

LAST GAME (W, 80-77 OT vs East Carolina on March 6): DALLAS (AP) — Chuck Harris scored 16 points and Zhuric Phelps scored four in overtime and SMU beat East Carolina 80-77 on Wednesday night. Harris shot 5 of 13 from the field, including 2 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 5 from the line for the Mustangs (20-10, 11-6 American Athletic Conference). Phelps shot 2 of 16 from the field, including 1 for 8 from 3-point range, and went 10 for 10 from the line to add 15 points. Ricardo Wright had 10 points and shot 4 for 9, including 2 for 3 from beyond the arc. RJ Felton led the Pirates (14-16, 7-10) in scoring, finishing with 28 points and nine rebounds. Brandon Johnson added 13 points and 11 rebounds for East Carolina. Cyr Malonga also had 10 points and nine rebounds. Phelps made the game-tying 3-pointer with five seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime. 
POSTGAME NOTES: 
– SMU’s first OT game this season
– Zhuric Phelps hit a 3-pointer with 5.4 seconds left to tie the game 65-65
– 20 WINS – SMU has at least 20 wins in 6 of the past 11 seasons
– SMU is 14-3 at home this season, 8-1 at Moody Coliseum in AAC games
– Steals: SMU 10, ECU 6
– Turnovers: SMU 8, ECU 17
– Points Off Turnovers: SMU 17, ECU 5
– Offensive Rebounds: SMU 21, ECU 12
– 2nd-Chance Points: SMU 21, ECU 11
– Bench Points: SMU 33, ECU 11

UP NEXT: The American Athletic Conference Championship is March 13-17 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. The Mustangs will play their first game on Thursday (second round) or Friday (quarterfinal).