SMU (16-7) vs North Texas (13-9)
February 11, 2024 at 02:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: SMU -4.5 — Over/Under: 127.5
The North Texas Mean Green will make the 50-minute trip from Denton to Dallas to meet the SMU Mustangs in AAC play this Sunday from the Moody Coliseum. SMU leads the in-state series, 11-7, and they come in as 4.5-point home favorites, with the total hovering 127. Stay tuned for our North Texas vs SMU Prediction.
North Texas Mean Green Preview
North Texas moved to 13-9 after defeating Tulsa on the road, 68-55. The Mean Green used a fast start to get back into the win column, and they’ll look to build on that effort here against the Mustangs. UNT is scoring 67.3 points per game, on 43.0% shooting, while allowing 56.9 ppg, and they’re currently 7th in the AAC with a 6-4 record in league play. The Mean Green are 6-4 over their last ten games, and they’re 3-3 in on the road this season.
North Texas’ Impact Players
- Sophomore guard Jason Edwards hit the 30-point mark in both matchups with USF and UAB, and he leads UNT in scoring (18.0).
- Junior swingman Aaron Scott led the way with an 18-point double-double in the win over Tulsa, and he’s averaging 12.0 ppg and 6.1 rpg.
- Ole Miss transfer Robert Allen has hit double digits in three of the last five games, and he leads the Mean Green in rebounding (7.5), while scoring 6.4 ppg.
SMU Mustangs Preview
SMU improved to 16-7 after defeating Rice in Houston, 95-69. The Mustangs pulled away from the Owls with a dominant second half, and they’ll look to avenge a January loss to the Mean Green this Sunday. SMU is scoring 76.4 points per game, on 46.1% shooting, while allowing 69.1 ppg, and they’re currently 4th in the AAC with a 7-3 record in conference play. The Mustangs are 7-3 over their previous ten games, and they’ve gone 11-2 in Dallas this season. SMU will face Tulane after this game.
SMU’s Impact Players
- Junior guard Zhuric Phelps has scored 15 points or more in four of the last six games, and he leads SMU in scoring (14.6).
- Butler transfer Chuck Harris has scored 14 points or more in five of the previous eight ames, and he’s averaging 13.1 ppg and a team-leading 3.6 apg.
- Senior forward Samuel Williamson grabbed 12 boards in the January 25th matchup with the Mean Green, and he leads the Mustangs in rebounding (7.4), while scoring 9.3 ppg.
North Texas vs SMU Trends
- UNT is 12-8 against the spread, with a 8-10-1 O/U record.
- SMU is 12-9-1 ATS, with a 9-13 over/under record.
North Texas vs SMU Prediction
SMU has been sharp at home this season, and I’ll believe they’ll keep rolling here in what should be a back-and-forth affair. North Texas’ defense may allow them to keep things within reach, but the Mustangs have been sharp at home, and they’ve been noticeably better on the offensive end. Any Mean Green game has a chance to finish low, so although the Under will be an option here, I like trusting SMU’s momentum for this Lone Star battle.