SMU Women Lose To USF

via SMU

Uncasville, Conn. (SMU)— McKenzie Adams scored 26 points and set the SMU scoring record in the American Athletic Conference Tournament, however, SMU fell short in a 62-55 loss to No. 3-seed USF (23-7) in the quarterfinals of the American Championship.

Kiara Perry gave SMU (17-14) a one-point lead, 25-24, with 8:36 left in the third period, its first since early in the first quarter. Despite four ties and three lead changes in the quarter, the Mustangs outscored USF 21-15 and ended the quarter on a 5-0 run to take a 44-39 lead with 10 minutes to play. Adams scored 14 of her 26 points in the third period, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 50 percent from the free-throw line.

Despite a valiant defensive effort in the fourth quarter, USF shot 80 percent (4-for-5) from behind the arc after making just two 3-pointers in the first 30 minutes. The Bulls outscored the Mustangs 23-11 in the final period, shooting 60 percent (6-for-10) from the field for the win.

After ending the first quarter trailing 11-9, SMU bounced back in the second to outscore the Bulls 14-13. Alicia Froling posted eight points on 4-of-5 shooting in the period, bringing the Mustangs within one point, 24-23, at the break.

Perry finished with 12 points and Froling scored nine in the game. Dai’ja Thomas added seven points for SMU. The Mustangs shot 45.3 percent from the field as a team (25-of-53) and had five steal, three by Adams.