Conference USA Mens Final Set Kentucky-SMU

No surprises in the Conference USA semifinal matches no Friday. Both top seeded SMU and Kentucky advanced for a final showdown on Sunday afternoon. Kentucky definitely had the easier route as they easily dispatched the host Tulsa Hurricanes 3-0 on a pair of goals and an assist from Jase Griffiths.

SMU ran into much stiffer competition in an Alabama-Birmingham side that had handed SMU its only loss earlier in the year. UAB once again showed they were game and led early in the second half on a Jerson Monteriro goal. SMU responded quickly however as Paulo da Silva scored a wonderful goal in the 69th minute. Neither side could score again and match went to extra time. The teams played evenly through the two overtime periods setting up a penalty kick showdown. SMU goalkeeper Matt Wideman showed why he was first team Conference USA as he saved 3 of 4 UAB spot kicks to seal the win for SMU.

The final will mark the second meeting between Kentucky and SMU this year. Earlier SMU easily dispatched Kentucky 3-0 in Dallas. Look for Kentucky to make a better showing on Sunday.