In a week where the conference was supposed to beat itself up, somehow the AAC became even tighter than it was before. With just a few weeks to go in the season, the AAC sees itself split into three different races. While Houston and SMU are fighting for the regular season title, there are plenty of other key storylines going on in the conference as well.
Wichita State got their first AAC win of the season just over a week ago. Temple is 6-3 in conference play and is currently third in the AAC. The two teams are separated by just two and a half games with plenty of games left to be played. At the bottom of the conference, East Carolina, South Florida and Tulsa are all separated by just one game. With plenty to play for and crucial seeding for the conference tournament on the line, AAC basketball will sure be fun to watch down the stretch.
AAC Basketball Weekly Headlines
Tyson Etienne and Ricky Council IV Red Hot in Upset of SMU
There is little question that Tyson Etienne and Ricky Council IV are two of the most important players for this Wichita State offense. The pair combined for just over 25 points per game on just 34% and 43% shooting, respectively. In a much-needed game against SMU when nothing else was working on offense, the pair took over and carried the Shockers to a victory.
Etienne and Council both dropped 20 points on 12/23 shooting (52%). Both players have also struggled to shoot from deep, hitting on just 32% of their shots from behind the arc. Saturday night, they combined to make five of their 12 attempts (41%). If Wichita State still wants to contend for the automatic tournament bid in March, they need more guys to step up on offense. At this point in the season, it’s fair to say that this is likely what they are. For that reason, it is even more important that the Etienne and Council show up every night. If they can continue to play like this, not many teams will beat them.
East Carolina Cold From Deep in 71-63 Loss to Temple
East Carolina isn’t known for their three-point shooting this season. They do shoot it at a respectable clip of 34.7%, however. In a game against Temple where they needed those deep shots to fall, they simply couldn’t buy them. Wednesday night’s game was once again an example of how East Carolina lives and dies with the three-ball. Hitting just five of 23 attempts for a measly 21.7% was a large reason why the Pirates lost this game.
Vance Jackson is East Carolina’s best three-point shooter this season and shot a respectable three for eight against Temple. Unfortunately, the next three best shooters combined to make just one of seven. When East Carolina is hot, they are a tough out. This performance showed just how volatile this East Carolina offense is on a nightly basis.
Updated AAC Basketball Standings
| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | 15-3 | 26-5 |
| SMU | 13-4 | 22-7 |
| Memphis | 13-5 | 19-9 |
| Temple | 10-7 | 17-11 |
| Tulane | 10-8 | 13-14 |
| UCF | 9-9 | 17-11 |
| Wichita State | 6-9 | 15-12 |
| Cincinnati | 7-11 | 17-14 |
| East Carolina | 6-11 | 15-14 |
| Tulsa | 4-14 | 10-19 |
| South Florida | 3-15 | 8-22 |
Upcoming AAC College Basketball Games to Note
With a full slate of AAC college basketball games on deck this week, there is plenty to watch. Here are the biggest matchups to watch this week.
Wichita State at UCF
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 8
Time: 9:00 pm EST
TV Coverage: ESPNU
#6 Houston at SMU
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 9
Time: 7:00 pm EST
TV Coverage: ESPN2
Temple at Tulane
Date: Saturday, Feb. 12
Time: 2:00 pm EST
TV Coverage: ESPN+
Memphis at #6 Houston
Date: Saturday, Feb. 12
Time: 3:30 pm EST
TV Coverage: ABC
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