The SMU men’s basketball team was unable to slow down the undefeated Memphis Tigers. With the loss, the Mustangs fall to 7-13 overall and 1-6 in conference play. Memphis remains the only undefeated team in the nation with an overall record of 22-0 and 8-0 in C-USA play.

The first half was dominated by the No. 1 Tigers, who outscored the Mustangs 40-18. Memphis forced 13 turnovers in the half, allowing the team to score transition baskets, and turned the ball over only once.

Memphis’ scoring in the half did not come from either Chris Douglas-Roberts or Derrick Rose, who led the Tigers in scoring. Andre Allen scored 11 points in the half, while Willie Kemp added seven.

Coming out of the break, the Tigers were able to keep up their energy and not let the momentum of the game swing to the Mustangs. Memphis’ largest lead came in the second half with 6:40 left. The Mustangs trailed the Tigers by a score of 70-30.

After going down by 40, the Mustangs were able to go on a 15-4 run to cut the deficit to 29 points with 3:25 remaining. SMU went on to lose the game by a final score of 77-48.

Unlike in the first half, SMU was able to take care of the ball and limit its turnovers. The Mustangs turned the ball over only three times, while Memphis turned the ball over six times. The damage off turnovers had been done in the first half, leaving the Tigers with 25 points scored off turnovers.

Bamba Fall and Jon Killen led the Mustangs in scoring with 12 points each in the game. Freshman Papa Dia also chipped in with six points and a team-leading seven rebounds.

The Tigers had four players score in double figures, with Andre Allen leading the way with 19 points. Derrick Rose, Doneal Mack and Joey Dorsey were the other players in double figures. Dorsey also finished with a game high 14 rebounds.

The Mustangs play again on Saturday, Feb. 9, when they host the Rice Owls at Moody Coliseum.