The XL Center in Hartford, CT. hosted a heavyweight title fight between SMU and UCONN on Sunday.

SMU jumped in front of UCONN early and held onto the lead for 36:02 to win the American Athletic Conference Tournament Championship 62-54.

The Huskies made a late run with Markus Kennedy and Ben Moore in foul trouble and got within five with about three left to play. However, SMU attacked the rim, got into the bonus and made clutch free throws to hang on.

Kennedy led the way for SMU and finished with 15 points and six rebounds.

UCONN was led by Rodney Purvis- who finished with 29 points and three rebounds.

As a team, SMU shot 35 percent from the floor, out rebounded UCONN 43-30 and won the paint battle 26-18.

The Huskies shot 33 percent for the game.

The Mustangs had four players score in double figures. Kennedy, Nic Moore had 11 , Ben Moore finished with 10 , and Yanick Moreira added 11 .

SMU wining the regular season conference title and the tournament title should improve its seeding in the NCAA tournament.

SMU will find out Sunday who their first opponent will be.