SMU Women Top McNeese State
via SMU
DALLAS (SMU) – In a what turned into a game of runs with eight lead changes, SMU (6-6) had an answer each time McNeese (4-7) strung points together to win on Friday afternoon. The Mustangs’ final run of the game was the difference-maker, using a 7-1 run to finish strong and win 65-59. While the Mustangs led for more than 30 minutes of the contest, twice in the second half McNeese was also to erase a sizable SMU lead to take the lead and have momentum on its side. Both times, the Mustangs stayed calm and responded with big shots to snuff out the Cowgirls’ comeback attempt.
UNIVERSITY PARK, TX - DECEMBER 22: Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Ariana Whitfield (2) brings the ball up court during the women's game between SMU and McNeese State on December 22, 2017, at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire)
SMU was led offensively by the trio of freshman Ariana Whitfield, senior McKenzie Adams, and senior Kiara Perry. Whitfield was especially important early on in the game, scoring 12 of her team-high 17 points in the first half. Adams dropped in 15, including a huge 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter that gave SMU back its lead. Perry was all over the court, grabbing 14 rebounds while dropping in 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting for her third consecutive double-double.
As a team, SMU’s ball movement was as good as its been all season. The Mustangs tallied 17 assists on 23 made baskets, showing the Mustangs were effective in finding the open player. Perry and Adams each dished out five assists to lead SMU in the category.
Those 14 rebounds played a role in SMU dominating McNeese on the glass, finishing with 13 more total rebounds and five more offensive rebounds. Those offensive rebounds led to 14 SMU second chance points in a game where every opportunity was important. Four Mustangs finished with at least seven rebounds as SMU showed a team-wide desire to get to loose balls. Senior Klara Bradshaw was extremely active in her 14 minutes, grabbing seven boards while junior Dai’ja Thomas collected eight rebounds to go along with her seven points.
SMU is now 5-1 at Moody Coliseum and will wrap up non-conference play on December 28 at No. 19 Texas A&M at 7 p.m.
