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College Basketball Power Rankings: Week 15

By Nathaniel Reeves

Feb 11, 2017; Moraga, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) drives the ball against St. Mary's Gaels guard Tanner Krebs (00) during the second half of the game at McKeon Pavilion. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the St. Mary's Gaels with a score of 74-64. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Moraga, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) drives the ball against St. Mary's Gaels guard Tanner Krebs (00) during the second half of the game at McKeon Pavilion. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the St. Mary's Gaels with a score of 74-64. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts to a score against the Temple Owls during the second half at Liacouras Center. Southern Methodist Mustangs won 66-50. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts to a score against the Temple Owls during the second half at Liacouras Center. Southern Methodist Mustangs won 66-50. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
18

SMU Mustangs

Last week: 20-4, 10-1 AAC
Last rank: 22

SMU asserted itself as the best team in the AAC on Sunday afternoon and plays defense well enough to give any opponent a challenge come March.

The Mustangs took down Temple 66-50 on the road on Thursday night, their third consecutive win of at least 16 points. SMU followed that up with its most impressive victory of the season over Cincinnati and is now tied with the Bearcats atop the AAC standings at 12-1 in conference play.

Tim Jankovich’s team has won 18 of its last 19 games with a two-point loss at Cincinnati coming as the only defeat. SMU’s defense ranks 13th in adjusted efficiency per KenPom and was so good on Sunday afternoon that the Bearcats could barley get the ball inside of the 3-point line in the second half, let alone get a good shot off.

While the Mustangs only have seven players in the regular rotation, each one is at least 6-5 with plus wingspan, which is causing problems for opposing offenses on the interior. SMU ranks 21st in offensive efficiency itself, and Duke transfer Semi Ojeleye has been on a tear with at least 16 points in eight straight games.

The Mustangs have a great chance to run the table, but Saturday’s trip to Houston won’t be east following a home contest against Tulane on Wednesday night.