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2017 AAC Tournament: SMU survives ECU scare to advance to semifinals

By Andrew Nostvick

Feb 25, 2017; Hartford, CT, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) drives to the basket against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half at XL Center. SMU defeated UConn 69-61. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Hartford, CT, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) drives to the basket against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half at XL Center. SMU defeated UConn 69-61. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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A late effort by Semi Ojeleye guides SMU Mustangs to 2017 AAC Tournament semifinals.

The SMU Mustangs held off a late rally by the East Carolina Pirates on Friday afternoon to win, 81-77, in the AAC Tournament quarterfinals.

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East Carolina fought its way back into the game thanks to their perimeter game and their ability to limit mistakes. The Pirates made 11 three-pointers during the second half and only turned the ball over three times.

East Carolina’s Elijah Hughes sank a game-tying three with 57 seconds left. However, a Semi Ojeleye put back with 29 seconds put SMU back in the lead for good.

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Ojeleye had one of his best games as a Mustang. The AAC Player of the Year scored a career-high 36 points and had 12 rebounds. SMU pounced on the Pirates in the first half thanks to Ojeleye’s 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting and 5-of-6 at the free throw line.

By halftime, SMU had a 43-21 lead thanks in part to their ability to shoot 64 percent during the half. The Mustangs still shot 57 percent in the second half. However, they struggled by turning the ball over 10 times, finishing with 16 for the game.

SMU won thanks in part to dominating inside by outscoring East Carolina 42-24 inside the paint.

Kentrell Barkley and Caleb White sparked the comeback for East Carolina. Each player made four three-pointers. Barkley led the Pirates with 24 points, while White finished with 17.

SMU hoped their double-digit lead would help them cruise easily into the semifinals. However, a team like East Carolina that has nothing to lose will always find a way to fight back. Had East Carolina won, it would have set up an interesting situation for the rest of the AAC Tournament.

SMU easily defeated East Carolina the previous two times these teams met, winning by 31 and 40, respectively.

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It would have benefited the winner of the UCF-Memphis game. But now, both teams will have to worry about SMU blocking their path to the championship. The Mustangs will face off against UCF in the semis.