CINCINNATI, Ohio – SMU has known since September that March 6 in Cincinnati would be its final game of the season. Heading into the game, it knew it needed to win to secure its second straight conference title.
However, the Mustangs (25-5, 13-5 American) could not get the win, losing to Cincinnati (22-9, 12-6 AAC), 61-54. The Bearcats shot only 29.5 percent from the floor, but made 24 of 30 free throw attempts. SMU, which had 17 turnovers, has lost three straight games at Fifth Third Arena, the only place it has not won in AAC play. SMU can still clinch a share of the conference title if Temple loses at last-place Tulane later Sunday afternoon.