SMU Women Top Houston

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HOUSTON, Texas (SMU) – Akil Simpson recorded her seventh double-double of the season and four Mustangs scored in double figures as SMU defeated the Houston Cougars, 73-60, at the Hofheinz Pavilion Saturday afternoon.

SMU improved to 12-7 (3-5 The American) with the win, while Houston remained winless in league play, falling to 4-15 (0-8). Keena Mays totaled 17 points on 50 percent shooting with seven rebounds, while Simpson finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Overall, SMU outrebounded Houston 50-37 and made 54.5 percent of its shots from three-point land, going 6-of-11 for the game.

SMU led 40-25 at halftime, shooting 50 percent from the field and collecting nine more rebounds than Houston (27-18). The 27 boards tied SMU’s season high for a first half. The Mustangs’ lead was generated by a 15-2 run from the 15:31 mark to 10:44 remaining in the half, giving SMU a 21-10 edge. Mays scored six of the Mustangs’ points during the run. SMU would lead by double figures from the 7:24 mark of the first half through the rest of the game, with Houston cutting the lead to 10 only twice.

Gabrielle Wilkins finished with 14 points, her third-highest scoring total of the

season and fifth double-digit scoring effort in 2013-14. Mallory Singleton also reached 10 points for the third time this season, totaling 10 points and eight rebounds. Korina Baker led the Mustangs with six assists, her fourth time this season with at least six helpers.

Te’onna Campbell led Houston with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Yasmeen Thompson added 15 points with nine free throws made. SMU held the Cougars to just 25.7 percent shooting in the first half and 29.2 percent for the game, the lowest total for an SMU opponent so far during league play.

SMU will return home to face Cincinnati in Moody Coliseum on Tuesday at 7 p.m. CST. The Mustangs defeated the Bearcats 54-43 in Cincinnati on Jan. 1.