AAC Basketball: Biggest strengths/weaknesses of each team in 2021-22

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 22: Kyler Edwards #11 of the Houston Cougars is helped off the court by Jamal Shead #1 and J'Wan Roberts #13 after twisting his ankle during the second half against the Texas State Bobcats at Fertitta Center on December 22, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

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AAC Basketball Wichita State Shockers guard Dexter Dennis William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Wichita State Shockers (9-3)

Like most of the American, the Shockers have not played the most challenging non-conference schedule. Wichita St. is 8-0 at home and 11 of their 12 contests have been recorded as against Quad 3 or Quad 4 games opponents.

7. East Carolina Pirates (9-3)

ECU has already surpassed its win total from a year ago. With just two more victories, the Pirates will match their most victories under fourth-year head coach Joe Dooley. The Pirates go nine deep with their top five players being upperclassmen led by Tristen Newton, Vance Jackson, and Brandon Suggs.

8. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (6-5)

Tulsa is on a two-game winning streak although they also have had its last two games canceled. Jeriah Horne (17.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG) and Sam Griffin (16.5 PPG) are carrying the Golden Hurricane as they are the only two players averaging double-figures. Sixty percent of their losses have been by five or fewer points.

9. Temple Owls (7-5, 0-1)

Temple is 3-2 since it was announced that leading scorer Khalif Battle was lost for the season with a broken foot. Freshmen Damian Dunn and Jeremiah Williams have stepped up their production over the last five games.

Dunn has produced 17 points and 6.0 rebounds over this stretch while Williams has compiled 10.8 points along with 4.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists. The Owls have only beaten one team with a winning record, Vanderbilt, and four of their losses have been by double-digits which includes a 65-48 setback to UCF.

10. South Florida Bulls (5-7)

USF has played a fairly tough schedule thus far with three Quad I losses and the Bulls rank 29th in scoring defense at 59.8. But the Bulls have struggled to score all year (58.6) and only put up 39 against BYU on Dec. 22.

11. Tulane Green Wave (3-6)

Tulane has had its last three games canceled. The Green Wave are the conference’s third-youngest team, and their top five players are either freshmen or sophomores.