DALLAS (SMU)— Three Mustangs scored in double figures, but SMU fell for the first time this year at Moody Coliseum, dropping a 71-59 decision to Tulane. The Mustangs are now 10-6 overall, 7-1 at home, and 1-2 in the American Athletic Conference, while the Green Wave improved to 11-6 and 2-2 in The American.
Alicia Froling led the SMU offense with 15 points, shooting 5-for-10 from the field and 5-for-6 from the free-throw line. McKenzie Adams added 13 points, going 4-for-10 from the field, and Morgan Bolton was 4-for-10 from behind the arc for 12 points. It was the fourth time the senior reached double figures this season on a career-high for 3’s made.
The Tulane offense got off to a strong start as the Green Wave shot 60 percent (9-for-15) from the field and 80 percent (4-for-5) from the three point line in the first quarter. Froling converted on a layup at the rim to give the Mustangs a 13-12 lead with 4:42 left in the first quarter, but Tulane quickly regained control, scoring the next five points for a 17-13 lead. Kiara Perry nailed a baseline jumper with six seconds left in the first quarter to pull the Mustangs within three, 23-20. Tulane led by 10 at halftime, 40-30, but SMU outscored the Green Wave 17-13 in the third quarter to cut the lead to six, 53-47, with 10 minutes left in the game.
SMU was unable to get closer than six as Tulane started the final quarter on a 9-3 run, taking a 62-50 lead. Stephanie Collins matched her season highs with eight points and eight rebounds, going 4-for-6 from the field.
The Mustangs host No. 1 Connecticut Saturday at 2 p.m. SMU then plays back-to-back road games at Cincinnati and at Houston.
