SMU Women Open Season With Win
via SMU
DALLAS (SMU) – Senior forward Alicia Froling’s 37th career double-double led SMU women’s basketball to a 49-38, season-opening win over Louisiana-Monroe at Moody Coliseum Friday afternoon.
In her first game since the 2016-17 season, Froling poured in 19 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and recorded three steals, all game highs. Her 37 double-doubles rank second-highest in program history, just one behind Janielle Dodds and Shasta Smothers-Johnson (38).
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 09: Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Marie Olson (22) shoots the ball during the game between SMU and ULM on November 9, 2018 at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/DFWsportsonline)
The Mustangs (1-0) have won all three of their season-opening games under third-year head coach Travis Mays. The Warhawks drop to 0-1 with the loss.
After ULM cut SMU’s lead to 23-20 early in the third quarter, Froling finished three consecutive lay-ups to push the Mustangs to a 29-20 advantage. SMU outscored ULM 16-11 in the third quarter, giving the Mustangs a comfortable lead to close out the game in the fourth.
The Mustang defense clamped down, holding the Warhawks to 29.2 percent field goal shooting (14-for-48). SMU also forced 26 ULM turnovers, including 13 steals. Four SMU players had multiple steals, including Froling and freshmen Kayla White, Amber Bacon and BriShonne Tollie. ULM’s 38 points are the lowest opponent scoring total since Memphis on Feb. 10.
Sophomore guard Ariana Whitfield also scored in double digits, totaling 10 points, while Bacon added 8 of her own. Junior forward Mackenzie Ellis grabbed six rebounds.
SMU hosts Mississippi Valley State Monday at 7 p.m. at Moody Coliseum.
