Mustangs Outpace Gaels at Stan Sheriff Center in Close Encounter

In a closely contested game at the Stan Sheriff Center, the SMU Mustangs edged out the Iona Gaels with a final score of 85-81. The Mustangs' season record now stands at an impressive 1-0, while the Gaels fall to 0-1. The game saw both teams fiercely competing until the last buzzer, with lead changes occurring six times and scores tied on four occasions.

The SMU Mustangs showcased an efficient offense throughout the game, converting 60 percent of their field goal attempts and sinking an impressive 46 percent from beyond the three-point line. Their two-point shooting was particularly effective, with a success rate of 64 percent. Inside scoring was a significant factor for the Mustangs as they racked up 42 points in paint.

Defensively, both teams were evenly matched with four blocks each. However, it was in rebounding where the Mustangs demonstrated superiority by collecting a total of 29 rebounds compared to their opponents' 21. Of these rebounds for SMU, defensive efforts led to securing possession on twenty occasions which helped limit second-chance points for Iona.

The Gaels did not go down without a fight; they managed to put up strong numbers from three-point territory hitting an outstanding rate of approximately 59 percent from deep and finishing with thirteen made threes. They also capitalized on turnovers by scoring twenty-five points off turnovers despite having eighteen themselves.

SMU's ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as they overcame twenty-one turnovers through tenacious defense and fast break opportunities that resulted in sixteen fast break points—slightly edging out Iona's fourteen fast break points.

As fans look ahead after this nail-biting victory for SMU Mustangs, their next challenge will be against Utah State Aggies at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu. This upcoming matchup is scheduled for December twenty-fourth and will be broadcasted nationally on ESPN2 channel two hundred nine. Fans are encouraged to tune in as another exciting game unfolds on Christmas Eve night.