SMU Mustangs Dominate East Carolina Pirates at Minges Coliseum
The SMU Mustangs, with a 75-64 victory over the East Carolina Pirates, showcased their dominance on the court. The Mustangs' record now stands at an impressive 1-0, while the Pirates fall to 0-1.
At Minges Coliseum in Greenville, North Carolina, fans witnessed a commanding performance by the visiting SMU Mustangs against their hosts. The first half ended with SMU leading by nine points and they maintained their momentum to close out the game with an eleven-point advantage. The team's offensive efforts were highlighted by a remarkable free throw accuracy of ninety-two percent and a solid fifty percent from two-point range.
The defensive prowess of the Mustangs was equally notable as they amassed eight blocks and eight steals throughout the game. This defensive pressure contributed significantly to their sixteen points off turnovers. Furthermore, SMU's ability to control both ends of the court was evident in their forty total rebounds—twenty-three defensive and seventeen offensive—including six team rebounds that kept possessions alive.
A key factor in this matchup was SMU's bench depth which allowed them to maintain intensity throughout; this is reflected in their fifteen fast break points that kept the Pirates on their heels. Additionally, twenty personal fouls committed by SMU did lead to one player being fouled out but did not significantly hinder their overall performance.
On the other side of the court, despite putting up thirty-six points in paint and securing thirty-seven total rebounds (nineteen defensive and eighteen offensive), East Carolina struggled with field goal attempts outside of two-point range—making only twelve percent from beyond three-point line—and converting sixty-four percent from free throw line.
Looking ahead for Southern Methodist University fans: The next game for your beloved Mustangs will be held at Moody Coliseum in Dallas against Temple Owls on January 16th at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Fans can catch all live action via ESPN+ internet broadcast network as your team looks forward to continuing its winning ways on home turf.