The Southern Methodist University Mustangs improved their record to 16-8 after a decisive victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers, who now stand at 14-10. The game concluded with an 86-67 scoreline, showcasing the Mustangs' dominance in the second half.

Feb 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; SMU MUstangs guard B.J. Davis-Ray (9) drives on Pittsburgh Panthers Damarco Minor (7) during the second half at Petersen Events Center. The Panthers lost 86-67. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

First Half

The first half of the SMU Mustangs vs Pittsburgh Panthers match summary saw both teams battling closely. The Ponies managed to secure a narrow lead by halftime, scoring 34 points against Pitt's 32. Key contributions came from Boopie Miller and Jaden Toombs, who helped maintain a slight edge over their opponents.

Second Half

In the second half, SMU unleashed an offensive onslaught that left Pitt struggling to keep pace. The Ponies scored an impressive 52 points during this period. Boopie Miller was instrumental in this surge, contributing significantly with his playmaking and scoring abilities. His performance was complemented by Samet Yiğitoğlu's strong presence in the paint.

Feb 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers forward Cameron Corhen (2) drives the ball on SMU Mustangs forward Corey Washington (3) during the first half at Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Key Plays and Turning Points

A pivotal moment came when SMU went on a run of unanswered points early in the second half, which shifted momentum firmly in their favor. This sequence highlighted what went wrong for SMU Mustangs earlier but also showcased their ability to adapt and overcome challenges during critical phases of play.

The Panthers struggled defensively against SMU's fast break plays and efficient shooting from beyond the arc. Despite efforts from Pitt players like Nojus Indrusaitis, they couldn't close the gap created by SMU's relentless attack.

Feb 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; SMU Mustangs center Samet Yigitoglu (24) and Pittsburgh Panthers forward Cameron Corhen (2) take the opening tip-off during the first half at Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

As fans reflect on this game through various metrics such as field goal percentage and assists-to-turnover ratio—where SMU excelled—it becomes clear that these elements were crucial for securing victory.

Looking ahead, fans can catch more action when Southern Methodist University hosts Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Moody Coliseum on February 10th at 7:00 PM EDT. Tune into ACC Network for live coverage of what promises to be another exciting matchup! Share your thoughts about this game with fellow fans!

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