HARTFORD, Conn. _ Top-seeded SMU advanced to the AAC Tournament championship game with a 70-59 semifinal victory over fourth-seeded Central Florida Saturday at the XL Center.
The Mustangs (29-4), ranked No. 12, have won 15 in a row and 25 of 26. With a program-record number of victories, they advance to the championship game Sunday at 3:15 p.m. EDT.
Sterling Brown had 22 points for SMU, which entered the game with the nation's third-best defense, allowing an average of 60 points. AAC player of the year Semi Ojeleye had 17 points and six rebounds.
The Mustangs led a slow game 26-23 at halftime and used an 8-0 run to make it 44-34. They led by as many as 14.
A.J. Davis had 20 points for UCF (20-12).
SMU was 18 of 24 on free throws.
