Four Mustangs In Double Figures In Loss To Southern Miss

{fshare id=2224}

DALLAS (SMU) – Four Mustangs scored in double figures, led by Alisha Filmore’s 20 points, but it was not enough as SMU was unable to complete the comeback, falling 74-67 to Southern Miss in Moody Coliseum on Sunday.

Filmore went 7-of-14 from the field and 5-of-5 at the free throw line, but Niesha Pierce blocked her layup attempt with 30 seconds left which would have given SMU (12-12, 5-6 Conference USA) a 67-66 lead. Instead, the Lady Eagles (9-15, 3-8 C-USA) connected on 8-of-9 free throw attempts in the final 26 seconds to take the victory.

Christine Elliott scored 14 points, and freshman Brittney Hardy reached double figures for the first time in her career, scoring 10 points with a team-high eight rebounds. Akil Simpson scored 10, reaching double figures for the fifth straight game, and Samantha Mahnesmith scored eight points in the second half to get SMU back into the game.

The Mustangs shot 45.8-percent in the first half, but were just 1-of-6 from 3-point range, while Southern Miss was 11-of-24 from the field, including 5-for-7 from behind the arc, taking a 37-25 lead at halftime. The Mustangs cut the lead in half with 15:02 when Filmore hit a layup, was fouled, and Southern Miss was charged with a technical foul. She hit all three free throws to pull to within six, 43-37. SMU got within one with 4:10 left to play, but were unable to recapture the lead.

SMU finished the game shooting 42.9-percent from the field, 27-of-63, but Southern Miss was 24-of-47, 51.1-percent. The Mustangs go on the road to UAB on Thursday at 7 p.m., before returning to Moody Coliseum to face Rice for the second time this season. Tip-off is scheduled for 12 p.m., and will air live on the Fox Sports Network.

See our SMU Women’s Basketball photo gallery.