SMU Mustangs Outpaced by Knights at Addition Financial Arena
In a conference game that saw the SMU Mustangs face off against the Knights, the scoreboard reflected a challenging contest for the visiting team. The Mustangs, unable to secure a win, ended with a record of 0-1 as they were outscored 53-85. The home team improved their standing to 1-0 with their decisive victory.
The game at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando was attended by 4,576 spectators who witnessed the Knights take control from early on. The first half concluded with the home team leading by nine points, and they continued to build on this foundation in the second half. The Knights' offensive efforts were particularly effective; they shot an impressive 53 percent from the field and an even more remarkable 40 percent from beyond the arc.
The SMU Mustangs fought valiantly but struggled to keep pace with their opponents' scoring efficiency. They managed a solid two-point field goal percentage of 57 but were less successful from three-point range, converting only four out of seventeen attempts for a modest rate of around 24 percent. Despite these challenges, they did manage to score 28 points in paint and secured six second-chance points.
On defense, both teams showed similar prowess with five steals each; however, it was on rebounds where there was a clear disparity—the Mustangs gathered only nineteen compared to thirty-eight by their opponents. This difference played into one of many factors contributing to SMU's difficulties throughout this matchup.
One bright spot for SMU was their ability to capitalize on turnovers; they scored ten points off turnovers despite committing fifteen themselves—a testament to moments where they effectively pressured the Knights into mistakes.
Looking ahead after this tough loss, fans can find solace knowing that another opportunity awaits when Southern Methodist University hosts Tulane Green Wave at Moody Coliseum in Dallas. This upcoming game is scheduled for January 11 at 7:00 PM local time and will be available for viewing on ESPN+. Supporters will no doubt be eager to see how their team responds following this setback as they continue through what promises to be an eventful season.