SMU Mustangs Edge Out Memphis Tigers in Double Overtime: Was the Victory Sealed at the Free-Throw Line?

The Southern Methodist University Mustangs, with a hard-fought 91-86 victory over the Memphis Tigers, showcased resilience and determination. The Mustangs' season record now stands at an impressive 5-1, while the Tigers fall to a challenging 3-3. The game was a nail-biter that extended into double overtime before SMU could secure their lead.

In an intense matchup at Elma Roane Fieldhouse, the SMU Mustangs demonstrated their tenacity by overcoming a first-quarter deficit where they scored only 14 points compared to Memphis's 23. However, as the game progressed, SMU found their rhythm and managed to keep up with their opponents in subsequent quarters with scores of 18 in both second and third periods and finishing regulation time with another closely contested quarter at 17 points.

The statistics reflect a tough battle on court; however, it was at the free-throw line where SMU made significant strides. They attempted an astonishing 60 free throws throughout the game and successfully converted 67 percent of them into points. This contributed greatly to their overall score as they made more free throws (40) than field goals (25). Their two-point shooting percentage stood at a solid 43 percent from a total of fifty-six attempts.

Defensively, SMU had eight steals which played a crucial role in disrupting Memphis's offensive flow. Despite committing thirty-two personal fouls themselves, they managed to capitalize on turnovers by scoring thirteen points off them. The team also showed dominance on rebounds with fifty-five total rebounds - forty-six personal rebounds complemented by nine team rebounds - which included eleven offensive boards leading to fourteen second-chance points.

Memphis Tigers put up an equally strong fight but were slightly less effective from beyond the arc and from two-point range compared to SMU's performance. They shot twenty-five percent from three-point territory making six out of twenty-four attempts while converting forty-one percent of their two-point shots.

As fans look forward to future games, they should mark their calendars for when Southern Methodist University Mustangs take on UAB Blazers next week. Scheduled for January fourteenth at Bartow Arena in Birmingham AL; fans can catch all live action starting from one o'clock Central Time Zone broadcasted for viewers eager to support their team.