Fertitta Center Showdown: SMU Mustangs Take On Houston Cougars
As the Southern Methodist University Mustangs gear up for their next challenge against the Houston Cougars at the Fertitta Center, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Mustangs have been on a rollercoaster this season, but their recent performance suggests they're hitting their stride at just the right time.
Looking back at their January 1st game against Tulsa's Golden Hurricane, SMU displayed an offensive masterclass in a resounding 92-67 victory. Their field goal percentage was an impressive 58 percent and they were even more lethal from beyond the arc, hitting 54 percent of their three-point attempts. With such shooting efficiency, it's clear that when SMU gets hot, they can torch any defense put in front of them.
However, basketball isn't just about offense. The Mustangs also showed prowess on defense with five blocks and six steals while committing fewer turnovers than Tulsa. This kind of two-way play is exactly what will be needed to take down a formidable opponent like Houston.
The Cougars are no pushovers; they're known for their tenacious defense and ability to control the pace of the game. But if there's one chink in their armor that SMU can exploit, it might be rebounding – an area where SMU outperformed Tulsa by grabbing 36 rebounds to Tulsa's 26.
SMU fans should also remember December 26th when their team narrowly lost to Hawai'i Warriors by one point in a nail-biting championship game finish. Despite falling short, it was evident that SMU has grit and can compete under pressure – qualities necessary for winning tough road games.
In contrast to that loss where personal fouls (23) and turnovers (13) plagued them, if SMU maintains discipline and replicates the ball security shown against Tulsa (only ten turnovers), they stand a good chance against Houston.
The upcoming match promises to be intense as both teams vie for supremacy on January 6th at midnight CST at Fertitta Center in Houston. Fans won't want to miss this clash and should tune into ESPN2 channel 209 for all the live action from tip-off until the final buzzer sounds.