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AAC Basketball: Houston on top, SMU and Tulsa rise in latest power ranking

By Carter Chapley

Mar 8, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Tigers guard Lester Quinones (11) drives with the ball as Houston Cougars guard Quentin Grimes (24) defends during the second half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Tigers guard Lester Quinones (11) drives with the ball as Houston Cougars guard Quentin Grimes (24) defends during the second half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Houston Cougars Reggie Chaney AAC Basketball Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Memphis

Memphis is one of the only teams in the conference with a sample size of games that you can truly start to sense for who they are. Having already played five games in this young season, Penny Hardaway’s bunch have been up and down. With a big win to open the year over Saint Mary’s but then dropping the next two to VCU and Western Kentucky, Memphis has gone from the top of the class in the American to having some major questions about this group.

Defensively, the Tigers have things sorted out, rocking the 10th best defensive efficiency in the nation. However, they simply can’t get their offense rolling, allowing teams to stick around and get wins over them. While individuals have stood out, the team as a whole has struggled to find its groove.

2. SMU

The Ponies are 4-0 and rolling through its non-conference schedule. After three convincing wins over 300+ Ken Pom teams, the Mustangs played Dayton at UD Arena and walked away handing the Flyer their first loss of the 2020 calendar year. Power Rankings are oftentimes a “what have you done for me lately” kind of deal, and that’s where we are with the SMU Mustangs.

Kendric Davis has been sensational for the Mustangs through four games, getting 20 points in three of the four games played, adding double-digit assists twice. Shooting guard Emmanuel Bandoumel added 19 points in the win over Dayton. SMU is getting performances out of everyone up and down the lineup, watch out for these Ponies come March.

1. Houston

Houston has gone from “very good” to “National Title Contenders, in a few short weeks to open the year. Winning all four games, they’ve played by double-digits, including a marquee win over #17 Texas Tech. They have rolled through their opponents and are looking unstoppable.

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Quinten Grimes has looked like a Player of the Year candidate, and Tramon Mark has been a revelation as a stud off the bench. The balanced attack of both lethal offensive weapons and a cohesive defensive system that the players are clearly buying in on has made this Houston team the clear and away tops of the American Athletic Conference.