Can SMU Mustangs' Paint Domination and Steals Overwhelm UAB Blazers Again?
In a closely contested conference game at Moody Coliseum, the Southern Methodist University Mustangs edged out the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers with a final score of 72-69. The Mustangs now hold an impressive record, while the Blazers are left to reflect on their performance.
The home team, SMU Mustangs, showcased their defensive capabilities by matching the Blazers with eight blocks and surpassing them with twelve steals. The Mustangs' aggressive defense translated into offense as they scored sixteen points off turnovers compared to the twelve by UAB. This aspect of play was crucial in maintaining momentum for SMU throughout the game.
Offensively, both teams were nearly neck-and-neck in field goal percentages; however, it was inside scoring where SMU made a significant impact. The Mustangs dominated points in the paint with forty compared to twenty-eight by UAB. This inside presence was bolstered by their fifty-six percent shooting from two-point range.
SMU also capitalized on fast break opportunities, tallying fourteen fast break points which contributed to keeping up the pace and energy of their gameplay against UAB's ten. Despite struggling from beyond the arc with only twenty-two percent success rate on three-point attempts, they managed to maintain offensive efficiency elsewhere.
The rebounding battle ended evenly matched as both teams grabbed thirty-five rebounds each; however, it's worth noting that SMU had more offensive rebounds than UAB which allowed them additional second-chance opportunities resulting in ten second-chance points.
Assists were another area where SMU excelled; they dished out nineteen assists over UAB's twenty-one but did so more efficiently considering their lower turnover count of seven against fifteen for UAB. This gave them an impressive assists turnover ratio of 3.17 indicating smart ball movement and decision-making.
As fans look ahead after this nail-biting encounter, they can mark their calendars for when Southern Methodist University Mustangs take on Rice Owls at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston on February 7th at 7:00 PM Central Time. Fans unable to attend can catch all the action live via internet broadcast on ESPN+.