Practically, nothing is at stake Sunday when No. 15 Cincinnati and No. 12 SMU meet for the American Athletic Conference Tournament title at XL Center in Hartford, Conn.
Both teams are 29-4 and considered at worst fifth seeds for the NCAA Tournament. Because it will be the last game played before the tournament field is announced, it's unlikely the result will boost either team up or down the seed line.
But pride is a powerful motivator in sports, and the chance to earn a 30th win against your toughest foe in the league with a trophy at stake figures to make this one of the day's most compelling matchups.